Growing Old With A Smile

             Happy Birthday to Me!

 I was born on a Saturday, September 4, 1948, Labor Day weekend, in Dixon, Illinois.

 While everyone else was out at parades and picnics, my dad was down at the Illinois Central Rail Yard, shoveling coal off three hopper cars. It was hard, dirty work, but that’s what he did to take care of us.

 At home, my mom was in labor, and things weren’t going well. She started bleeding, and it was touch-and-go. Our neighbor, Louise, called the yard to tell them my dad was needed, but his boss never passed the message along.

 Hours later, another man finally told him. Dad went to the boss, who told him he’d lose his job if he left. Dad didn’t care. He dropped his gloves and walked out. (Turned out, I wasn’t the only good thing that happened to him that day.) A story for another day.

That night at 6:32, with a good doctor and God’s help, I was born — 7 pounds, 6 ounces, with fiery red hair, wrapped in pink. It had been a difficult pregnancy, but the outcome was a blessing. (At least for me.)

 Because my father had chosen family over his job, there was no work waiting for him the next day. With little more than their determination and a battered Mercury Eight, my parents packed up their belongings and left Dixon. They drove to Rockford, where family could offer us support and where we would begin again.

I believe that experience shaped my character from the very beginning. Life hasn’t been easy — I’ve lost two children, a grandson, my parents, my loving husband, and so many more. I’ve lived through more dark clouds than I ever thought I could. But I’ve never stopped fighting.

Dad always told me there was no such word as can’t. Mom showed me what quiet perseverance looked like — making a way even when there didn’t seem to be one.

Now, at 77, I know I’m on the downward side of the mountain. But I still look forward to my tomorrows. I’m thankful for FanStory, for writing, and for the strength the Lord gives me to keep going when my knees or my heart feel like giving out.

So here I am, still learning, still grateful, still ready to Begin Again. Thank you, FanStory, for being an important part of my family and my journey.

Have a great day! I leave a basket filled with smiles, hugs, and love. Please help yourself to all of them and be thankful for all that you have. I’m thankful for each of you…….  God Bless!