“Dawn, Noon, Dusk”

Day 108, #2025bigyearproject

I realize I am no spring chicken, but I am not yet a winter bear.

Some of my relatives stuck around past the century mark. Others tapped out at before their hair began having flecks of starlight. My generation is between these two stages.

I have lived long enough to make the same ghastly mistakes more than once! Hopefully, this will not occur too often in the future. I mean, really, how soon will the trend lean back toward platform shoes?

Before I knew better, I thought the ones I adored would always be around. I could bicker, walk off in a huff, and ask forgiveness without considering the possibility that I might not get to the saying sorry part.

One of my late cousins and I would always greet each other with loud cheers and big hugs. When it was time to part, we repeated the ritual. Both of us would smile as widely as our faces allowed.

Sadly, he was killed in a horrible car crash before reaching his thirties, forever etched in our memories as a vibrant young man. I am grateful we had all those enthusiastic hi-bye moments.

Now, I linger over conversations, especially when I run into someone unexpectedly. I send notes when a familiar face comes to mind. I whisper a prayer for those who bear great burdens. I leave an emoji on a friend’s social media post. I let those who matter to me know that I am grateful for them.

In terms of our life spans, we never know when it will be our turn to walk onto the great transport in the sky. We may leave after breakfast or hang out until midnight snack time.

To me this means:

• I will eat the warm, fresh cookies my husband just baked. (Really! I can inhale their fragrance right this minute.)

• I will cradle a baby when it is within arm’s reach and tell it to bloom, bloom, bloom.

• I will photograph a scene that fills my eyes, heart, and spirit with beauty.

• I will speak up when my advocacy is needed.

• I will tell that corny joke, take that enticing class, plan that outrageous trip, and sit in awe during a performance.

Whatever stage you are in, bloom bloom bloom.

#2025bigyearproject