It was 41 years ago today that I was born into this world during a September heat wave (poor Mom). After 38 hours of labor (again, poor Mom) I was born c-section, had the guck suctioned from my lungs, and I took my first breath.It was almost 2 years ago (1 year, 10 months, and 29 days to be exact) that another surgery gave me new life by freeing me from over 20 years of living with the crippling condition of endometriosis. It was as if someone had again allowed me to take my first breath.
It was 10 years ago today that I sat in my Auntie's home, discouraged and forelorn at the horrible prospects of my lovelife. I was browsing through one of her quilting magazines and admiring a design with a grapevine wreath in the center.
"I'll make you a deal," Auntie said with a twinkle in her eye, "I'll make you that quilt either as a wedding gift or for your 35th birthday--whichever comes first."
It was shortly after that birthday that I went out on a second date with an old friend whom I'd had a first date with a month previously and determined he wasn't "the one". Tonight, I sat across a table holding hands with that same man and proudly told our waitress that we had been married for almost 10 years now. He is my soul mate, my protector, my all-time love, and my best friend. The friendship and deep love I share with him also breathed new life into me allowing me to heal past wounds, discover parts of myself I had not known, and gave me the courage to explore creativity and passions I had left untapped within me.
My mom recently told me that she wished that my life had been so different than how it had been. I told her, in all honesty, that I wouldn't want it any other way. Don't get me wrong. There's a lot about my life that has been just plain awful and truly a living nightmare. But I survived to be 41 years old and am a stronger woman for all that I've experienced and will continue to experience. That's what my life's trials and tribulations have been for, so that I got the privilege of learning what Cindy is made of. And I wouldn't trade that for anything.Now today I'm going to do exactly what I want to for my birthday.... work in my garden!
Happy, happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with cake and love.
ReplyDeleteHope you have the happiest of birthdays and enjoy your beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteThat was beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! You're still older than I am...well, for 3 months anyway. ;) (And I remember when you and hubby went out on that second date...)
A VERY happy birthday to you, with many more to come! What a great way to celebrate, too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, my Love.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Cindy, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Our lives sometimes take turns that at the time we wish didn't, but it's all part of what makes us who we are today. :-)
Happy Birthday!!!
ReplyDeletePenny
Happy Birthday, Cindy!!!! A very nice post - I love seeing the photos - what a cute kid you were! :) (and still are!!)
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to read that you're okay with the events that made you who you are today - it's hard to move forward if you can't make peace with the past. Best wishes for the coming year - and many, many more!
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThe Happiest Birthday to you! You have such a beautiful blog..hope to see you soon.
Take care!
What a wonderful sharing in this post, Cindy. As you say, you have suffered but have gained from the experience.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the two photos of you, and now I feel I know you better!
PS - I had breast cancer 4 years ago, and after that, I knew that I HAD to immerse myself in art and become the artist I wanted to be. So the dark cloud of suffering does have its silver lining!
Again, Happy Birthday to you!
Hope you had a lovely birthday Cindy!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing you went on that second date, isn't it? ;-)
The experiences we have in life makes us who we are. They won't be always good but sometimes a good thing can come out of an horrible experience.
Great post Cindy and thank you for sharing!
A very much Happy Belated Birthday. Our life experiences are what strengthen the core of who we are. As tough as they may be, they are always worth it in the end. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday -- a few days late -- from all of us, too. Reading your story should inspire others to give their creativity a chance, too...
ReplyDeleteHey sweetie... what a beautiful post. I love you so much... your FAVORITE Auntie
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