When I turn 90, I hope to look back at my life with good health and a sharp mind to see:
A wonderful marriage that lasted more than 60 years.
A home that brought me joy and peace on the ordinary days and hosted my all time favorite moments on the extraordinary ones. In fact, I hope one of my kids or grandkids even buys my house so I can hang out and have a cocktail on the patio without needing to pull a single weed.
I hope to look back at my life and see many memories of parties, vacations, and fun times with loved ones.
And a library full of life lessons that I’ve learned from and shared with others.
And a long standing reputation of lifting people up and bringing them together.
And a healthy family tree that keeps sprouting new branches.
When I turn 90, I hope to celebrate all of these things surrounded by crying babies, rambunctious toddlers, and cute little kids digging holes, filling buckets, chasing seagulls all around an overpopulated family chair circle on the beach.
And even if the weather turns cold, windy, and rainy and all the other groups leave the beach, I hope my crew hangs on for a just a little longer because they want to spend a few more minutes together.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, when I turn 90, I want to be like my Grandmom.
Because as family members caravanned in from all directions to celebrate Grandmom’s 90th Birthday in Sea Isle this weekend, it was beautifully chaotic. Grandmom got to see her own grand babies from 30 years prior become the new generation of stressed out beach parents.
She laughed out loud with multiple generations of family members as she caught up with each person about houses, jobs, childcare, and wedding plans. She got to watch a special video compiled by one of the crafty millennials in which everyone shared their love and wished her Happy Birthday in their own unique way. She got to blow out candles surrounded by people that love her so much. And she could celebrate all of this confidently knowing that her and Pop Pop have built a legacy that we all strive to carry forward.
I’m so grateful to celebrate this birthday with you, Grandmom.
First, because I love you and like having you around.
Also, because I’m happy for you to have this pretty cool bucket list experience.
But more than anything, I’m grateful because you’ve painted a target for the rest of us to strive for- in the lives we lead, the families we raise, the legacies we build, and the love we share…for as long as we can. Happy Birthday!
What’s the plan for 100?
The Janiec Reflection 