When my friend, Bonnie Allen, turned 79 earlier this year, I realized that on her next birthday she would be 80... and because we were born in the same year, that meant that once I turned 79, I'd be looking at 80 as well.
Today is my 79th birthday.
In my daddy's words, "I'm pushing 80".
Eighty. Somewhere I have a poem that my mother used to send to people when they turned 80. However, one cannot spend the morning of her 79th birthday searching ...especially when there are notes and calls and plans...
And how do I feel now that I am pushing 80?
Sometimes quite good - and others a bit tired, but always most of all, thankful.
Twice a week I visit Augustine Landing, which is an Independent Living facility. Almost every time I am there, I see a nice silver-haired man sitting quietly. He has a look of distinction, and he ALWAYS has a book in his lap. And then I saw his picture on the Augustine Landing Facebook page with this caption, "Our resident author".
I am yet to have a conversation with this man (if you know me even a little, you surely know that I'll have that conversation soon), but I did speak to him one day this past week.
"You're not writing a book today?" I said.
"In my head", was his response.
I walked away thinking, that's me. I have so many words in my head. I need to put those words together into sentences and paragraphs.
So back to this day. And what I read in my devotion - from Isaiah 6. "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send and who will go for me? And I said, "Here am I; send me. " And when I was scrolling through Facebook, I came to someone playing the piano, and the song was "Take My Life and Let It Be".
I was beginning to see a pattern.
Several weeks ago, I learned that an Alan Winkler scholarship is being offered to Bryan College students. More than 60 years ago, Mr. Winkler was the first person outside of my immediate family and friends to say to me:
"You are a great writer".
I made a small gift in appreciation for his encouragement. Many of my friends and family reach out to me and say nice things about my words. I hope you know that just as I appreciated Mr. Winkler's encouragement, I appreciate yours
And again, back to this day:
I might be 79 ---
But I still have a goal:
From Paula's Pen. . . Have I got a story for you!
a typewriter on the front porch of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings home
My goal??? To continue to write about the interesting persons that I meet. Hopefully one of the next stories will be about the man of distinction at Augustine Landing.
PS I'm also going to start a new blog --- From Paula's Pen...Have I got a story for you!
May you have enough sunshine in your life
to help you appreciate the shadows
