Life at 60 ……..

Yesterday I hit a milestone birthday – SIXTY! It does cause one to pause for a moment, right? But why? Is it because we take a breath to realize that we are getting older? Maybe because we see ourselves differently, somehow, as we age? Is it because we have been taught by generation after generation that as we age we are limited in our abilities? Great points to ponder. Here is my version of Life at 60

On my birthday, our clock went off at its appointed time – 5:45 am. Phil gets up first and I grab a few extra minutes of shut eye (he also has the ability to be asleep 2.6 seconds after he lays down at night) GRRRR! We got dressed for a day of FUN & ADVENTURE! Of course, it’s my birthday!

The kids arrived with Colton before 8:00 am and we spent a lovely morning driving over to Pigeon Forge for a day at Dollywood. It was hot, it was steamy, it was crowded and a bit noisy at various times. It also stormed at the precise time that we chose a theater show in a lovely, covered, outdoor setting. At theme parks the restaurants get crowded quickly but after we were told the wait was 45 minutes, it turned into about 15 minutes. Yes, there were a couple of rides that we missed because after the lightning and thunder show (provided by God), they basically shut everything down…..BUT there were also rides that were enjoyed. Now, some of the above may sound tedious – but let me translate my version of the day.

My family planned this surprise outing for me. The adults all took a vacation day to spend with me on this milestone birthday – how cool is that?!! We had great conversation on the drive over – including listening to Colton and Pop read to each other out of the superhero dictionary. We are blessed to have gold passes that provide easy access parking. We also have a nine-year-old that has a strong selfie game for pictures. It was hot – I mean, I was born the week prior to July 4th – it’s summer! It’s steamy because we choose to live in some of the most beautiful area of God’s country and not in the desert. Our lunch was amazing and the wait was shorter than anticipated. Afterwards, we watched Colton and Pop drive a 50’s style car, while they rocked to the music. Then….Josh and Laura were able to grab a quick (20 minute) wait for a sought after rollercoaster. We walked over to the outdoor theater for a great show and WOOSH the rain appeared but we were dry under the covering. Then we walked over to another ride in time to hear KABOOM! and the thunder and lighting arrived that shut the rides down – but there wasn’t anymore rain – and we still didn’t get wet! We walked back towards the entrance and left in search of supper. Josh found a super delicious Mexican restaurant and we sat outside – again, watching the clouds swirl in the distance but not a drop of rain. As we drove home we took a slight detour to check out the area of Forbidden Caverns. Such a beautiful area! We rode back talking about the beauty of the gorge and how we might access some of the things that we could see.

God’s beauty is all around us. It is not lost on me that we live in an amazing place. My blessings are many! I walked over 10,000 steps yesterday (4.35 miles), and I am so fortunate to have the ability to do so. Do I have aches and pains? Don’t we all? I watched this birthday ring in 22 lbs. lighter than I was last year on my birthday, with the intention of taking off at least that much more in the next year. I also got a new bicycle for my birthday (a Carolina blue cruiser and it is amazing), along with a rack to carry my bicycle and Colton’s bicycle 🙂 It’s a Nana Camp thing. How amazing is it that I get to have Nana Camp? That I get to have the best husband ever? That I get to have my son and daughter-in-law twenty-four minutes from my front door? That at least one of my siblings lives 12 minutes from me? That my awesome mother-in-law is 90 years young and still lives on her own – but that I am available to help? That last week our church began its contemporary worship again? That so many people took time out of their day to wish me a happy birthday? That my sister came to decorate our house for a party on Sunday while I was at church? That those who call me their babiest also sent cards and gifts? We siblings are spread coast to coast (literally) and still find ways to love on each other!

There are too many blessings to list but I know that they exist. I relish them, I give thanks for them and I choose to live each day in good spirits, giving thanks to God for my life. Happy 60th to me and may I remain mindful that the blessings and beauty are all around.