What Defines You

The Color Of My Hair Does Not Define Me

Getting older is an interesting experience and as many say "not for sissies." It is a road we will all walk down. Others may share with us their journeys but we quickly learn that each individual path has it's own dips and turns and detours.

As the years have added up, I have watched the progression of my friends and their outlook and expectations of life. How is it similar and how is it different from my own?

So much of the way we live out the 'later' years of our lives depends upon our perspective...

For me it started several years ago at my grandson's baseball game. My hair had turned snowy at an early age, but only a couple times had I attempted to change the color. (I always found it such a shocking experience when I passed the mirror that I soon decided it wasn't worth the 'loss of years' :) Pink has been the only color I have embraced.  As I trained for, and then walked the 3Day 60 Miles for breast cancer I wore a 'hint' of pink.

At this particular game I watched and listened as the entire front row of white haired ladies interacted during the game.

As the game ended and we headed toward the car I proclaimed to my family that "I don't want to ever be known as a little ol' white haired lady!!" In the years since I have tried to keep myself active and healthy being able to enjoy my children, grandchildren and great-grandchild!!

As the mother of 5, my 3 boys have always proudly assured me that I have earned every one of my white hairs. They come as a 'badge of honor' for a busy, adventure filled life!

It was interesting, however, when at a meeting last week, a woman across the table, pointed at me as she was talking about "little ol' white haired ladies." When I realized that she was referring to ME as being a member of that group, my first response was "Well, I'm going brown tomorrow!!" Now, I must clarify that she was a stranger and didn't know me at all, nor my lifestyle. But still it was an hilarious moment shared with my daughter who knows my thoughts on said subject.

In watching others walk through the years it is evident that the color of the hair does not prove to be the catalyst for 'old age'. Some people choose to be old long before the first strand of grey appears. That old-adage that you can speak something into existence is a truth for many. They claim, as impossibilities, many challenges of life. With those choices they miss out on many of the "AH HA" moments and the joy of crossing that 'impossible' finish line. 

I have learned that AGE does not need to define who I am or place limitations on my dreams.

The last five years of my life (I've been a 'senior' for several) have been filled with many firsts; activities I never would have attempted as a teen. Why?? Because I have come to realize the true blessing of life and living it to the fullest!! My goal... Enjoy life, endeavor to encourage and inspire others...and bring HOPE where it has lost it's way!

No matter the years marked by the calendar or the color of your hair I invite you to join me in making the remaining years memorable and full of meaning!!

When you have asked for God's protection....

After heading out of Arizona we turned south toward New Mexico and Texas to spend some time with yet more family.

God has been gracious as we have traveled these hundreds of miles; to give us safe travels although there have been opportunities to pause for thanksgiving.

 As we were traveling in New Mexico, the traffic slowed.  Several moments later we passed a pick up in the meridian turned on it's roof with  personal belongings leaving a trail for several miles. After a prayer for the driver we continued on.
Later in Texas we pulled into a rest area for lunch and a little walk.  After an hour or so we buckled up and were ready to go again. It was evident immediately that our plans were to be delayed. The next 3 hours we spent reading the engine manual and attempting to 'fire it up." It was  Good Friday and Easter weekend so the hope of finding help was not very promising.  As a last resort Jim pulled out a safety chip and replaced it again. The roar of a running engine never sounded better!!
In the midst of frustration, we were reminded of something we had read several years ago. The author had challenged.."When you have prayed and ask for God's traveling mercies...don't question when you find yourself delayed.  Instead be thankful for His protection even though you may never know what was in your path!" We decided this was a perfect time to put that into action. Amazing how that changes the perspective!! He loves us THAT much!! (When we stopped for the night an impressive storm had passed through the area ahead of us)

Our travels continued and we arrived safely in Duncanville, TX to the welcoming hugs of our nephew, his wife, and later our niece and family.
In our 50 years of marriage, many of those years have been spent living a far distance from family. Separation is often difficult and family visits become a treasure. This certainly proved to be true as we spent hours these past few days sharing old memories and making new ones.

Easter was spent together,celebrating the ressurrection of our Savior and the blessing of family!

Today found us back on the road excited for the adventures to come.

New Home, New Friends, New Adventures

After 3 weeks in Mesa, Arizona we are on the road again...

We stopped in Palm Gardens Retirement Park in Mesa to thaw out after a long Montana winter. After a few days of walking the park, meeting some of the residents and enjoying the fellowship; we purchased a little home! Next winter we will join the other residents, as " snow birds" from Montana.

One of the best things about traveling is the people you meet. Mesa proved to be a treasure trove of new friends and fun activities to be a part of.
The older gentleman we bought our new home from, will be a forever friend. A dairy farmer from Michigan, father of 5 boys and grandfather of 16, was a joy to visit with. We promised to make the house our "HOME" and share some times of joy and love with others.
As the days passed we re-united with friends from our stay 3 years ago, and made new ones. We left town with phone numbers, addresses and promises to keep in touch; until we return next fall.
A writing class full of incredible women and led by a former English teacher was a bonus find for me. It provides a new opportunity to be challenged and learn from others.
The Arizona 'Grand Ol' Oprey" dinner theater provided an evening of good food, laughter and fun.
Finding the Mesa Swap Meet served to quench the need for shopping. Four tents, each a quarter mile long, filled with sales goods of all kinds, gives the opportunity to "shop till ya drop."
Sitting outside in the evenings, watching the airplanes overhead and the full moon through the tops of the palm trees we found peace.
As the time to leave approached we knew our decision to add an Arizona address to this new chapter in our lives was a good thing :)

After moving out of the motor home, we spent 3 nights making a new house, a home! Then it was back to the motor home and  'on the road again!'
 After  a short day of travel we find ourselves in Deming, New Mexico at the 81 Palms Resort for a night of rest.

Tomorrow we will fire up our home on wheels and add another day to this 50th year adventure.

Life Changes

Being the youngest in a large family brings with it many changes and phases through life. As the 'baby sister' I spent years being watched over. I was given advise, love and pretty much anything my little heart desired. I was taken on shopping trips with treats, and that dress that was sure to transform me into the cutest thing ever!! Among the memories is a little black patent leather purse, shaped like a Scottie Dog. Yes, as a mom now, I have to admit I was probably a bit spoiled, or VERY WELL LOVED! (Perspective, right??)

In my teen years, when my brothers and sisters were raising children of their own; I was still seen as the baby sister. Our parents were older at that point and there were decisions that needed to be made concerning their health issues. Often those decisions were made without my input. Not,I realize now, because they meant to hurt me, but because from their perspective I was still the 'baby sister.'
There came the day I married, had children of my own and became an equal in their sight. Relationships blossomed and grew and new respect and memories were shared. Then as was bound to happen with the vast differences in age (21, 18 and 16 years) the dreaded day arrived and I have watched their health deteriorate and life as they had known it changed. In many ways I am once again that 'baby sister' on the outside looking in.

Finally, I am a "Big Girl"and sometimes I long for the pigtails and cute purses of days gone by!

It has been a strange place to be at times; that of a listening ear to my siblings, and that of the aunt whose age matches their own.
 I, with my siblings have already been through the health issues and loss of our parents. Constantly the new seasons of life bring with them new challenges and opportunities. My hope is that as I walk through the 'Golden Years' now with my siblings that I learn to value each day!

 It is with a heart praying for wisdom that I share the concerns from both generations and endeavor to be an encouragement and support to both.

50th Year Adventure....

In December of last year (2016) we celebrated our 50th year of marriage with the homecoming of all our children, their spouses and our Grands. We had a week full of food, laughter and love; as the siblings and cousins made new memories and relived the old, together as family.

The kids had planned and hosted a celebration party including our friends and many of their friends; who had become extended family throughout the years. Awwww..the memories; sweet, sweet memories.

As the children left for their homes and lives we begin to plan for "our" celebration. After alot of deliberation we decided on a motor home trip across the states, visiting friends, family and interesting sites.
With our usual collection of hugs from our kids and grandkids completed..we set out on March 13th.

Our sights were set for Palm Gardens in Mesa Arizona for some time of de-winterizing and sunshine. Palm Gardens had been one of our favorite communities on an earlier visit. We had found it to be a community warm with sunshine and friendly people. That, we discovered has not changed!!

With several days of relaxation under our belts we began checking out some of the homes behind the "For Sale" signs. In the process we met new friends and were convinced a new chapter in our life-adventure was about to begin. We began to talk in earnest about making Mesa our winter home. Out came the paper for the Pros and Cons list. The Pros seemed to outnumber the cons and as Jim said "We can do whatever we want! :)" So we are in the process of becoming homeowners in Arizona. Now, I have to admit this wasn't in the original 'travel plans' but if I have learned anything in the 50 years we have shared it is that flexibility makes life a lot more fun and exciting!

We will leave Mesa in a couple weeks, after some time spent creating a new home to welcome us in the fall. Visits with old friends and family, exploring new sites and adding new friends to our book, await us.

Our lives are blessed beyond measure and our hope is to leave a little love and a few smiles along the the way, as we continue to make new memories for the next 50!!!

Join me again as I take a moment to share as life continues to surprise and bless us. Until then I would love to hear how YOUR life is going :) Please leave a comment for me!

Dream Big...Pray Earnestly..Walk Strong!

It has been several months since I have taken the time to sit here and share a thought or two. Grab a cup of coffee and join me as I hope to get back 'in the groove.'

The calendar pages seem to turn faster and faster each year and here we are in the midst of October again. Fall brings with it a gaggle of celebrations in our home. Birthdays of children, grandchildren and friends give reason for gatherings, fellowship laughter and love! I always find myself feeling blessed beyond measure as I am given opportunity to celebrate the gift of a life filled with such love and health.

Thanksgiving reigns supreme in my heart as we have traversed through 10 months of another year with everyone healthy. In the year 2016 we have seen 5 friends diagnosed with cancer. Two of those are children.:(  My heart aches for each of these families as they make their journey down a path they would never choose.

For the last couple years, Fall also has meant long walks, as I train for the 3Day 60 Mile walk for breast cancer. September would find me in Seattle, WA in the midst of several hundred walkers. This year I am changing it up a bit and will travel to San Diego, CA. in November and join several thousand walkers along the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
 Each mile I walk, whether in training, or on the course, is taken in honor of the names I have gathered,  and the thousands of others who have been called into their own personal battle.
Each year I am required to raise a minimum of $2300 to be a part of the 'big walk'. For my third year that goal, and more, has been given by friends, family and strangers!
 From the $3.00 donation to the $250 donation, EACH ONE is added to the thousands of dollars raised by others to see an END to cancer!!
What a humbling thought that each of my supporters and I can be a small part in such a HUGE goal!!  My word for the year has been "HOPE". My desire is that the miles I walk brings HOPE to others.
It has been shown that the research done on behalf of one cancer will benefit many, so the ultimate dream includes an end to ALL cancer. Dream Big and Pray Earnestly and Walk Strong!! Those are three things I can do!!
Walking has become my passion and has proven to be that means in my life to share Hope with others and brings Joy and Health to mine :)
Have you found your passion??? What is it your life that takes your focus off YOU and puts it on others??? I would love to hear.....
Check out my personal page: www.the3day.org/goto/LauraMoody

A Gift of Responsibily

February was a month of celebrations. Several of my friends and myself celebrated the gift of ONE MORE YEAR of life. It was also the month that we 'partied in the Chemo Room' as my daughter in law had her last "Chemo Monday'!

 For me I celebrated not that I "made it through the year" but that I came through with flying colors!! As the years pass the realization that life is truly a gift becomes a reason to pause and give thanks. The fact that not only was I given the gift of a new year but I open that year with fantastic health causes me to want to SHOUT with joy! In my moments of reflection I have become aware of the responsibility that comes with that gift.

Responsibility you may think??? Shouldn't I just take every day and concentrate on enjoying it?? After all I AM a SENIOR CITIZEN, I have served my time, raised my family and partnered with my husband to make a home filled with love.
Don't get me wrong, I DO intend to enjoy every moment, day, week or years God  chooses to give me. The responsibility lies in the choices I make for that allotted time. This past year has been full of new acquaintances ,old friends, and family who have, in one way or another, made that real to me.

The past year brought the death of two brother in laws and several friends, diagnosis of Dementia for another sister and the journey of chemo with our daughter in law. A year filled with those things that come with getting older. THAT my friends is exactly why I feel the need to take a new look at my responsibility to use my gift to the fullest!!

Death, Dementia, and Cancer...could each be a reason to run toward a lifestyle that keeps me hidden at home in fear, or looking only for fun, sun and a beach.  Hmmmmm that life could happen! :) but what I have found  is no matter where I am, there is always someone who needs a hug and maybe an ear.

 My responsibility lies in being aware of those in my life that need a touch, or word of encouragement or maybe a meal. Doing all I can to assure that my good health continues. I can walk wherever I might be (with the possibility of meeting a new friend on the trail)! Honing old relationships and making new but most importantly choosing JOY in each day.

It seems that as a birthday gift this year I have found a walking partner, and special friend. That has been a prayer and dream for three years and as easy as saying hello, there she was. The true blessing is that we walk the same pace, and find endless things to talk about. Can you say BONUS!?

So, as I begin this, a new year...fresh slate...I set out with the challenge to "Walk the Year 2016". ..2016 Miles in 2016.  I will walk the 3Day 60 Mile Susan G Komen walk to bring an end to breast cancer and give HOPE to those fighting. Walking for HOPE

 I will enjoy my family. I will make it my goal to be healthy and keep my eye out for that one who needs a hug, or an encouraging word.

Hope to see YOU on the trail!