Day 967 Vintage

 

Turning sixty is a milestone, one that many people don't get to experience, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be here. In fact, I wear my age (and wrinkles) with pride. After all, not everyone has the chance to celebrate a life well-lived, and I’m grateful for each and every year that’s brought me to this point. I opened a few fun, themed gifts from my dear friend Dawn – who’s vintage too, though six months younger than me and, shall we say, not as thrilled about it – she reminds me that we can all age gracefully, no matter how we feel about it!

As I look back on my life, I can't help but smile at the memories of raising my family. Those were busy, but deeply fulfilling years. From hanging out in the backyard with my kids, to playing games, embarking on adventures, or simply sitting around the dinner table talking, those moments are what I’ll treasure forever. Yes, it was a time when I was up to my eyeballs in worry – getting my kids to every function, teaching them to read and write, feeding them day in and day out, and pondering the eternal question of “What’s for dinner?” It was exhausting at times, but so worth it when I see my kids all grown up and happily living their lives.

Having had my family young – my last baby was born when I was just 25 – my fifties and sixties have been a time for a little more self-focus. No more packed schedules or the constant need to worry about others. Now, I can cook if I feel like it or go out to eat. The only schedule I follow is the one that Tim and I choose together. And yes, I haven’t seen a wet towel on the floor in ages! It's funny how life shifts, isn't it?

But here's the thing – both stages of life are equally valuable. The busy years of raising a family are as important as the quiet years of enjoying the fruits of that hard work. Neither is better or worse; they’re simply different chapters of a full, rich life. I can imagine that a twenty-year-old might look at me and think, "I’d trade places with her just to be young again." But honestly? Not a chance. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m perfectly happy with where I am now.

Stepping into my sixties is something I do with all the pride that the age deserves. Every wrinkle and a few scars tell the story of a life well-lived, of challenges faced, memories made, and joy experienced. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to gather the very best friends anyone could ask for. I’ve raised the most amazing children, who I adore beyond compare, and if that wasn’t enough, I now have five beautiful grandchildren to shower with love.

And of course, there’s Timothy. He continues to keep my life entertaining, reminding me every day of how blessed I am to have him by my side.

What’s not to love? If this is what being vintage is all about, then I say, "Bring it on!" The road ahead is filled with new adventures, new memories to make, and plenty of love to share. So here’s to being sixty and fabulous, to living in the moment, and to celebrating all the years that have brought me here. Cheers to a vintage life and to being thankful of each stage I've lived so far. I'm ready to bring on another decade...or two...or three...or maybe even four!