Every one of us has days that set us thinking about life, more or less.
For me today is one of those, a day that began differently from usual and carried on full of the unexpected and of surprises.
Is 50+ a little or a lot? How much in our lives depends on what is fated, on karma or on our own choices. What is happiness, what does freedom consist of...
One of those who wished me well early this morning was my great aunt, who is close to twice my age. How strange it is that "young" and "old" are such relative terms. When I was at nursery, even primary school children seemed very big and "old". Never mind secondary school pupils and grown ups. Ten years later, children of that same age were complete tots next to us and 20 year olds were ancient. Today I see 30 and 40 year olds as very young people.
My own children, who are now in their twenties and thirties, keep astonishing me by being so young and successful and managing their lives so nicely. More than once I see in my mind's eye the tots they once were, who so often put my patience to the test with their antics. Oh, the trouble and worry I lived through on their account. If only I had guessed that nowhere near as much depends on me as I feared in my heart... more than one tear would have been left unshed and more than one punishment ungiven.
But back to today.
As I drove out of the car park in the city centre, a strange sound came through the open window: thump, thump, thump. I was granted another birthday surprise: the back tyre was as flat as could be. A surprise, because when I left home I checked all the tyres. Well, TYRES, my apologies to the representatives of the male sex. 🙂
But what has age got to do with it? This: 20 years ago, in a similar situation, I would not even have got my head under the boot lid before a passing car stopped and the driver rushed to help. Today I thumped the flat tyre sadly and walked around the car with a helpless expression, to no effect at all. I strolled slowly to the boot to check whether there was a spare wheel. Still no reaction. Next I dug out that bent contraption for undoing the bolts, and even found the jack. Still nothing. So I leaned my behind against the bonnet and put on a face that said I had no idea what to do with a flat tyre... In fact I do know; I have even changed a wheel against the clock and come first among the women in a competition at the time. But I am not going to crawl under a car on my birthday...
Happily, though, a nice young man soon parked next to my car and did that unpleasant job himself in a couple of moments. Such a sweet and nice young man. In confidence, I should mention that it was my own son 🙂 A phone call had been made in the meantime.
So that is how nice it is to be no longer in the first flush of youth. 🙂
And what happiness it is to have dear and caring people close to you, on whom you can always rely. Both on a day of celebration and in trouble and grief.
I wish you all plenty of sunshine and joy.
