Saturday, January 12, 2013

The Birthday Girl: a microfAction


Jenny's Saturday Centus prompt really moves me this morning because my own mom is 85 years old, and I feel grateful. I remember her turning 80 with much joy, but I also remember feeling no small amount of trepidation as my beloved mother became "someone in her eighties." How could it be? 

Five years later I have learned to just go with the flow and leave my mother's continued blessing of longevity in God's hands. That's where it belongs, after all, and He can be trusted. In fact, I am assured that the very hairs of her head are numbered, and not one of them will fall to the ground without the Father (see Matthew 10:29-30). So I guess He's got the situation well in hand.

The little story below isn't exactly how I felt...maybe I embellished it a bit. But when my mom turned 80, I definitely began to appreciate the time I have with her in a whole new way.
 Love you, Mom!

(the prompt, as always, is in red below)

∞§∞

 

 The Birthday Girl
©2013 Susan Noyes Anderson

My mother turned eighty today, and I haven't quite liked it. 70 didn't phase me in the least (her own mom lived to be 83), but moving into this new decade makes me uneasy. I can no longer deny that the woman who gave me breath is aging...cannot even pretend her years aren't piling up faster than I want them to accumulate. Time stops for no one; I know. But can't an exception be made for my beautiful mom?

Oh sure, we all got together, ate cake and Mexican food, celebrated merrily. 80 years is a blessing––a milestone she handled with grace, her middle name. 

Less grace from yours truly. I can't sleep tonight. (the clock's ticking)

∞§∞

16 comments:

Eden House News and views said...

How lovely. My Godmother is 85 fingers crossed she will hit 90

Brian Miller said...

ack that ever ticking clock....my mom turns 70 this year...and i hit 40...oy....my grandmother is in her 90s and i think she will outlive cockroaches, just saying...smiles.

Unknown said...

I am 68 and I can't believe I'm this old....and continuing to age! My parents are long gone.

Kris said...

That was beautiful Sue !
Well written !!!
I'm with you on us aging as our parents do. I cannot imagine me being as old as I am because inside, I still feel so young. I think that's one of the secrets to aging gracefully :)

Judie said...

Rod's sweet and loving mum lived to be just shy of 96. It broke my heart to lose her, even though I knew it was time. I loved your piece, Sue.

yaya said...

You wrote how I've felt for a long while. I'm blessed (as you are!) to still have our Moms here. I remember when my Mom used to say "No one in my family ever lived to be 80" and then she'd count down every year after 70 planning what to do before the "big one"! Now she's 86 and can't believe she's still counting! Ha! Love the story...time does keep going no matter what.

Bethe77 said...

Time is ticking and how fast it slips by. Love the celebration of 80 the love and coming to terms with age.
Blessings

EG CameraGirl said...

How wonderful that you still have your mom! It's great that you appreciate her so much!

Susan Anderson said...

Yep, we're all pretty fond of her. (There are five of us.)

=)

LeAnn said...

You have such a treasure in your dear mother; it has been so much fun to get to know you both through blogging. Treasure every moment you have with her. My mother lived until she was 90, I miss her everyday.
Blessings for your sweet thoughts today.

Amy said...

Mortality is not something fun to embrace, is it? Your mother is such a sweet lady, really. I hope you have many more wonderful years with her.

Darlene said...

Oh my, I'm so glad to learn who to blame because my hair is falling out!! It really is getting pretty thin on the sides.

This was really a beautiful post, Sue, and I admit I was quite overcome when I read this. Thank you for those sweet words.

Darlene said...

Oh my, I'm so glad to learn who to blame because my hair is falling out!! It really is getting pretty thin on the sides.

This was really a beautiful post, Sue, and I admit I was quite overcome when I read this. Thank you for those sweet words.

Unknown said...

JDaniel's Nana is 85. He says she needs to live until she is one million.

Grandma Honey said...

I love your Mom too. She is one special lady!

Jenny said...

I feel exactly the same way Sue!

I just get a lump in my throat over the age thing.

How did this happen?

Thanks for sharing your heart.