What I have learned in 49 years

Is it just me or do you get sentimental and reminiscent around birthdays?  Well tomorrow is a big birthday for me - apparently you are supposed to take turning 50 really seriously.  Of course, I would like to just hear from a few special people and let the day proceed like any other.  But I did spend some time thinking about just who I am and maybe a few things along the way that shaped me.  If you have time, take a look at what I have learned over the last 49 years.......

I LEARNED......

at age 1 -  that love flows freely in my home in the form of hugs, snuggles and kisses
at age 2 - there are always plenty of cousins to play with
at age 3 - my brother is one of the kindest people in the world
at age 4 - love through acts of service as my Grandma Gracie cooked a "made to order" breakfast for me every morning
at age 5 - how to be the only African-American and only girl in my preschool class
at age 6 - I was really going to love this whole school thing
at age 7 - my parents were not going to let me sleepover at just anyone's house
at age 8 - to be nice to the new girl at school because one day I would be the new girl
at age 9 - geography is not my thing
at age 10 - other people obviously did not get the memo about being nice to the new girl as now it was my turn
at age 11 - I can rock a school project
at age 12 - people are really immature and mean
at age 13 - choosing the right friends is one of the most important choices we make in life
at age 14 - it is hard to be a cheerleader when you hate sports
at age 15 - when the manager of your first job tries to give you a cash bonus right out of the register, don't take it.....he is going to be arrested for stealing in the next couple of weeks
at age 16 - driving is not near as much fun in real life as it was in my imagination
at age 17 - to weigh pros and cons in decision making
at age 18 - college is a lot different than high school
at age 19 - it is quite fun to live in an apartment with 3 other girls
at age 20 - not everyone was taught the values I was taught growing up

at age 21 - Playing spoons and pictionary with my friends was all I needed for fun
at age 22 - losing grandparents is extremely hard
at age 23 - a bazillion acronyms as I started work at NASA
at age 24 - indeed there are still good men and I get to marry one
at age 25 - software coding is not my thing
at age 26 - you really do need good girlfriends
at age 27 - to trust God's timing
at age 28 - people's character is demonstrated in what they do, not what they say
at age 29 - the joy of being a mom
at age 30 - apparently I really don't need 8 hours of sleep each night
at age 31 - an office mate who holds the trash can for you while you throw up is the best office mate you could ever have
at age 32 - the immeasurable blessing of another daughter
at age 33 - about the best Bible Study ever: Bible Study Fellowship
at age 34 - if you are open minded God will give you good friends from every background and age group and you will be better for it
at age 35 - I can't eat everything I want anymore, calories do actually count
at age 36 - when your foot swells every single day, it's a good chance it is broken
at age 37 - don't get too busy for the things and people who really matter
at age 38 - to be present, fully present when a dear friend says goodbye to this world
at age 39 - grief is an odd thing and everyone does it differently and in their own timing
at age 40 - kids in the mall now say ma'am to me and its ok, I've earned it

at age 41 - if you wake up in labor and you are not pregnant, it is a kidney stone and they won't give you an epidural
at age 42 - it feels super good to not have debt
at age 43 - nothing prepares you for losing a parent
at age 44 - I should have gotten a smart phone sooner
at age 45 - Faith overcoming fear as I stand with a friend
at age 46 - people are still immature and mean little girls grow up to be mean old women
at age 47- the true meaning of pray without ceasing as I send my first child off to college
at age 48 - don't let fear prevent you from trying new things
at age 49 - every day is precious, don't get hung up on the pettiness, simply love

  I am thankful for all these experiences. All of these things both good and bad have made me exactly who I am today.  I can't wait to see what new things I learn in this 50th year.

“Wouldn't take nothing for my journey now.” 

― Maya Angelou