Saturday, January 26, 2013

It's the Little Things

Yesterday it was my birthday. 
I hung one more year on the line.
I ain't worrying. 
And I ain't scurrying. 
I'm just having a good time.
~Paul Simon~ 

~My Birthday Project~
Yesterday I turned 53. I am especially grateful this year for another birthday. In ways, it's been a rough year...

The hardest part was probably hearing the news that my sweet father-in-love has bladder cancer. Although it is most difficult for him, it has jolted the entire family into the realization that life is precious, and often too short. We have always been a close knit family, but since his illness, this is magnified. Thankfully, his prognosis is good and his attitude is even better. He is an inspiration to me.

Another difficulty concerns our youngest son. Will is 19, and suffers from severe plaque psoriasis. Maybe some of you remember those old commercials where they spoke of..."the heartbreak of psoriasis". Maybe some of you suffer too. In Will's case, the disease is not only extremely unsightly, but very debilitating. He has tried every topical, special diet, and I'm embarrassed to admit..."snake oil" remedy out there. He has just begun taking injections of the drug Stelara, which we pray will give him relief. His dad and I try not to coddle him, and encourage him to push himself in spite of his affliction....but because he is our child, the heartbreak of psoriasis affects us too.

Then there was my own "junk" to deal with. I had surgery in June and have been undergoing a series of medical tests...checking for the thing we all dread...cancer. On Friday, I had what I hope to be my last medical test for a good while. And I'm thrilled to report that my results were perfect.

But yesterday, I turned 53.

And so, today I was reflecting on how I spent my birthday, and counting my blessings. Tom and Will were home with me, doing little chores around the house so I could spend the day sewing. They bathed the dogs, did the grocery shopping, made dinner... The two older "boys" called to wish me a happy birthday and talked with me about stuff for a long while. I miss those conversations with them, now that they live on their own. It was a real treat for me to hear about the young woman Nash is dating, and the changes Luke is making to his screenplay...and their plans for the future.

 
I don't know why I'm telling you all of this, dear readers. Maybe just to remind you of what we all need reminding of. And that 's this...cherish those you love, find happiness in the little things, value your health...

And remember... 
Attitude Is Everything.

~My favorite portrait from Christmas, 2012. Yes, I'm THAT excited over shampoo.~
 Until next time...

I ain't worrying. 
And I ain't scurrying. 
I'm just having a good time.

Rhonda


17 comments:

  1. What a nice post Rhonda. What you shared is very true. Happy Birthday! I love your wool project you got going!

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    1. Hi Mindy, Thank you for the birthday greetings. :) I have been wanting to sew this runner for ages...it's from one of Maggie Bonanomi's books. I love her designs, don't you? Glad you stopped by!
      Rhonda

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  2. I love your attitude, Rhonda..and I love you my dear cousin. It may have been a tough year for both of us..but we did grow closer and that has been wonderful.

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    1. Awww...thank you, Lisa. It has been such a blessing to spend time with you again. I'm looking forward to many more adventures together! I love you too.
      Rhonda

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  3. Happy Birthday Rhonda! I too admire your attitude.Your birthday project is lovely and I look forward to seeing it finished.Prayers for your dear FIL,I know to well how devastating that it can be to hear our loved one has that dreaded word.Prayers to for your tests,may they all be over soon.A big hug to your son,I have mild psoriasis.Hugs,Jen

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    1. Thank you for your prayers and kind words, Jennifer. Difficult things happen...it's up to us how we respond, isn't it? I'm sorry to hear that you are a psoriasis sufferer. Ugh. What a dreadful thing to deal with!
      I'll try to remember to show my finished project so you can see it. :) Thanks again for stopping by, Jennifer!
      Rhonda

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  4. Happy Birthday Rhonda, sounds like you a perfect family day. Ordinary days are the best days, nothing tragic, nothing exciting, just a day filled with the simple calmness of the knowledge that you know you are loved.
    Hugs girlfriend,
    Connie

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    1. Hi Connie. I see that we understand each other perfectly. :) I find more and more, I like ordinary days best. Thank you for stopping by to wish me a happy birthday! Hugs to you!
      Rhonda

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  5. Hi Rhonda,
    You look adorable. That's how I feel when I get Philosophy from QVC !! LOL
    ~ Hope you had a Happy Birthday ~
    Take Care,
    Tina

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    1. Awww...Tina, you are too sweet. That photo made me laugh-thought others might find it funny too. I was just thrilled that my guys knew which shampoo I use! Ha! Thank you for stopping in to say happy birthday. :)
      Rhonda

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  6. Happy Birthday, Rhonda! Love all things Maggie...your runner is wonderful! Hope your young fellow gets some relief with the new med.
    Congrats to you for a good report...great news!
    Have a great week,
    Robyn

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    1. Thank you for the birthday wishes, Robyn. :)Ms. Maggie is my favorite designer, and such a gracious, genuine lady too.

      Thank you for your concern for Will and for myself. You're a sweetheart. We walk a fine line between sympathy and allowing our son to wallow in self pity...but I "think" I see some improvement in his skin today. :)

      Big Hug to you!
      Rhonda

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  7. Happy birthday,one day later. I also turned 53 on my last birthday. Sometimes it's hard to think about, like sitting at the doctor complaining of yet another ache or pain. But I've decided instead of saying "I'm 53", I say "I'M 53!!!!!" Woot woot!!!! I hope this is your best year yet!!! YOU'RE 53!!!!!! Woot woot!!!! Wishing you peace in your heart and joy in your soul.

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  8. Hey Becca...WE'RE 53!!! Wheeeee!!! Thanks for the chuckle and the birthday wishes, friend.
    Rhonda

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  9. Belated Happy BirthdaY! Wishing you a wonderful year!!!

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  10. Just happened to find your Blog from Mugwump Woolies !
    What a beautiful runner you are working on in this post. ;)
    Rose

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