One, Wild and Precious Life

What do you plan to do with your one, wild and precious life? ~ Mary Oliver

What an amazing day!! For starters, it is a (5) 7-11 day...have a slurpee!

Ok, just kidding. Today was THE Big Day...my 50th! Woohoo!!

I have amazing friends. The day was interspersed with all sorts of fun events. I had several emails and Facebook messages first thing in the morning. My brother and sister-in-law sent a beautiful, bright bouquet of yellow roses, daisies,

and PURPLE irises which arrived just before I left to direct a retreat at my church.

That retreat went very well. I always feel like I get so much more than I give some days and I am totally amazed that in such a short time I can see the hand of God move so powerfully in someone’s life. I managed to attend mass too and give thanks for the gift of my life. Afterwards, one of the Healing Teams prayed a blessing over me, which was spectacular. The words that stick with me from that prayer are radiating joy and gratitude. I came home to more phone and email messages.

Then I went to Pine Ridge Hollow Restaurant with friends to really celebrate. The weather was a bit chillier than hoped for so the hike prior to supper turned out to be more of a short stroll around the grounds. I had planned to tell stories of these people who were so instrumental in my life, which turned out to be a fun activity.

I gave them a rock with a word on it to symbolize that they had been part of rock solid ground and a strong foundation for me.

There were lots of good stories, laughter, and maybe even an emotional moment or two. The tiara and bling are courtesy of a pay back 50th from last year. Hee hee. Do we look like we were having fun?

I am borrowing a page from my friend Celeste’s blog and putting a lot of photos in this blog to share the fun.

Celeste, who is in Singapore, even called in the middle of the evening to wish me a happy birthday. When I got home, there were several phone and email messages too. I am so blessed.

I even got a hug from one friend who rarely does so! Guess who from my facial expression?!

Also, I managed to raise over $300 for Naomi Foundation which was about making my 50th more than just about me. I am pretty grateful about that. I received a card about a year ago from my aunt with the above quote on it and knew that my 50th had to be bigger than me, that I had to somehow give back. I have this one, wild and precious life and desire to use it well. I pray that I may continue to do so.

I am ending the first day of being 50 with such gratitude and joy.

Peace,

Suzanne