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25,263 Days

 

The number of people who “know me” is dwindling. Every year I say goodbye to friends and loved ones who pass away from the Earth. Of course, I continue to meet and become acquainted with new people, but they only know me as the senior citizen I have become…. not the evolution of ‘me’ (good, bad, ugly) over seven decades.

 

Self-described, I am a God fearing, people loving, decision challenged, picture taking, deal finding, number nerd who likes to write. The thoughts in my head continually collide with one another and writing sometimes allow them to exit (at least temporarily).

 

Today's thought: 25,263 Days.

 

Just a few years ago, one of my sons said, “I wanted to figure out when I’d be exactly as old as Dad was when I was born.” Say what?  He continues… “November 13, 2020. That’s the day.” Hmmm. I never thought about that. Little did we know, just 33 days later, his dad would succumb to COVID.

 

That conversation came back to me this past November (2022) when on the last day of the month – I noted my own Dad’s birthday. He would have been 111 having been born in 1911 (this is magic for a number nerd). The thought flying through my head though…. was not my dad’s birthday (nor his death day) but my OWN 69th birthday… a scant 34 days away. (So, I guess I can add self-absorbed to my list of descriptors).

 

I turned 27 years old 34 days after my dad noted his 69th birthday. He was suffering with cancer so I can’t say “celebrated”. I grieved in advance for what I was about to lose. I was a Daddy’s girl. I was too young to lose him. He would never see my children grow up. God gave me a peace and strength when the time came but He has given me so much more in the years since – one of which is perspective.

 

Twenty-seven-year-old me thought 69 was old. Sixty-nine-year-old me thinks differently. There is being old, looking old, feeling old, acting old and probably a few others but I won't go there. Rather, does the impact and influence of my life reflect the years I’ve lived? Is it anything compared to that of my dad? I won't go there either. This is not an essay on my dad’s attributes nor mine. I’m just being highly aware of the gift each day we are given truly is.

 

Today, I have been on the planet 25,263 days … the exact number of my father's life. (11/30/11 – 1/29/81). No one is promised tomorrow but we all can make the most of each new day. If I see the next sunrise – I hope to live in a way that honors God and makes my Dad proud.

 

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24



Comments

Unknown said…
Kay: You have always had a wonderful way with "words" and know very well how to put them together.....which means, I have always appreciated your commentary on family, yourself, and life in general. Yes, God is with us every step of the way in our life. He knows us better then we know ourselves. My mantra has always been: "Be Still and Know that I am God".

Vicki B.
March 5, 2023 at 1:20 PM
Nana Mama said…
Thanks Vicki. One of my "self-speak" mantra's has always been, "Yes Kay, there is a God and No, it is not you!"
March 5, 2023 at 1:25 PM
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