Sunday, I turned twenty three. Two children and five years of marriage by the age of twenty three? Born to parents the age of most grandparents (my mom was 43 and my dad, 56) and siblings much older than myself, I've never quite felt my age. I've always followed a different path.
As I reflect on this past year of my life, I am reminded of all the things I am grateful for. First and foremost, the love I am able to pour into my two children every single day. The love that took root in my childhood of being surrounded with affection. Of being doted on by my nine siblings, who I have always loved with the greatest intensity. My parents, who I owe my life to. Who I love so deeply and fully, that even speaking of them is enough to bring me to tears.
That love has carried me through any pain or difficulty I've endured in the last twenty three years. I am so grateful for this.
I am grateful for having enough patience to make it through the frustrating days. I am grateful for enough optimism to think positively when my Mom called me last week to tell me there is a chance she has uterine cancer, but we won't know for two weeks. I am grateful for another year with my parents both alive, since I can't be sure how many more of those I will have. I'm grateful for all the happiness I've felt in the past year, watching Lucía grow into the sweet little girl that she is. Seeing the love between she and Andreas, believing that someday they will feel in their hearts, what I feel for my nine brothers and sisters.
I am grateful to have realized that life will be extremely difficult at times, but every difficult chapter in life passes, eventually. That kindness is not always reciprocated and people are not perfect, as I myself am definitely not. That being able to forgive is an essential part of living this life. These truths have been the most useful to me this past year, and I am constantly reminding myself of them.
So, twenty three, I greet you with arms outstretched. Teach me more about myself and others. I'm eager to see all the possibilities you hold.
18 comments:
Beautiful post! Happy birthday!!
I would have never guessed that you were 23! I hope you had a delightful birthday. Thank you for sharing here.
Beautifully written! Happy Birthday!
-d
Beautiful words. Happy happy birthday (a little too late).
Gorgeous post. You have so much to be proud of!
And, I am happy that you at least snapped a pic of that gorgeous cake. I've totally been in that situation, too...
dearest
these photos are so precious! I hope it was a truly wonderful birthday spent with loved ones.
My thoughts are with you, and I truly pray that your mother will be alright.
Kisses xx
Happy birthday! I can't quite believe how much you've accomplished for 23, amazing. xx
Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!! :D :D
Definately glad your beautiful self was born!!!! Too bad, you weren't loved to death! Your pictures are awesome. I will be praying for your sweet mother. I know how this must grip your heart.
Happy birthday Megan! Since you already have a house full of happy moments and joy with your family, I wish you to never stop dreaming :)
Nadia @natureinsider
Happy Birthday!! It was a beautiful post!!
Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday! You are so wise beyond your years and full of such grace. I was a mess at 23!! xo m.
You write so beautifully. I always feel so inspired by your posts, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for all the sweet notes. I am always a little hesitant to share more personal things here, but your kind words are definitely the encouragement I needed, to keep doing it :)
Happy birthday! I love your blog.
happy birthday! love the post!
How is it you are only twenty-three?! Twenty three, going on sixty! (Not by looks, most definitely--by the writing. You seem like an old soul.) Happy birthday.
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