My Year of 59

Age is not anything to run away from, it's a celebration of life and love. So my year of 59, began as an awareness of leaving parts of the past behind and taking a journey to trying, doing, and experiencing not only new things, but life itself.

In recent years I have faced some debilitating heath issues that both frustrated me and whirled me into a depression of sorts. I am not a " oh feel sorry for me" person, but I did find myself in, "woe is me" mode for a time. I was shaken out of this dismal state shortly after watching my father succumb to his own health issues. He was chair bound for a few years and grew weaker and weaker by day. It hurt my heart to see this once strong, vital, full of life man become a victim of his illness.

Not long after his death I woke up from my own foggy sleep and began to lift myself into action. I decided I could stay still and allow this to beat me or I could live the life God blessed me with one day at a time. I began to move, slowly at first and painfully back into my life.

The year of 59, is the start of new discovery, letting go of what I no longer can do and embrace what I can do. I am not placing limitations on my self, I am living each day with purpose. I am embracing this older self and making peace with my crinkled neck, crows feet and gray hair, well maybe not the gray hair just yet.There are some days I have to make a concerted effort to push past the pain and go forward.

I lost a dear friend last year who had been trapped unwillingly with ALS. Her spirit and love of God so inspired me. She is a remarkable woman who has forever touched my heart and soul. I miss her dearly and keep her often wise words close to my heart daily. I will not allow my faith be shaken. I believe, as she did, God has a purpose and plan for each of us.

So here I go on my new journey. I will live each day with determination, faith in God, and with the grace my friend Beth instilled in me.

Teresa Gale
2/26/17