54 Lessons I’ve Learned in my 54 Years of Life
May you gain wisdom from my mistakes
Today is my birthday and I’m 54 years old! In my mind, I’m so much younger than this, but my body tells me otherwise.
A couple of days ago, I saw my mom for the first time in a while. It was at her birthday party, a small outside, socially-distanced gathering at my brother’s house. She just turned 75 years old.
Her vitality is leaving her. I was sad to watch her shuffling around, not remembering what someone had told her five minutes prior. Her husband takes good care of her, has been faithful and ever-loving, and keeps her safe and well.
It made me look at my own mortality.
When I look in the mirror, I see my salt-and-pepper hair. My body is no longer the athletic build it used to be. But, with those physical signs of aging, I also have a lifetime of experience.
I have been through two divorces and three marriages. I’ve had unspeakable abuse in my life — even though it was a long time ago, it stays with me. I’ve raised two children who are now grown and lead their own lives. I’ve lost a few friends; their lives ended earlier than mine. I have seen a lot of changes in this world over the past 50-plus years; some changes are not for the better.
