A Hundred Days

Among all my friends, I'm perhaps the most excited about turning 50. 

I've been writing about turning 50 over the last couple of years and now, have started this blog to kick off the hundred days until I mark the big 5-0. Today is Day 100. There is an independent film starring Mylene Dizon which has for its title "100" but unlike Mylene's character who dies on her 100th day, I am so looking forward to the beginning of my 50th year here on earth. 

If you knew my history you would understand why. 

My dad passed away from a massive heart attack at the age of 49. Thus, the number 50 has always held a special significance for me. When my heart went mildly haywire earlier this year, I was in a panic, wondering if I would be consigned to his fate, but thankfully it wasn't so. Since then however, I've learned to be very careful with my heart, both literally, and figuratively. Now, I discern better and it only beats for the things and people who truly matter. Now my heart has so much more hope, so much more joy.

I was always the little girl who was big on birthdays. I loved parties, and a nice birthday cake, balloons, playing games, and dancing with friends. Some of my happiest childhood memories are attached to birthday parties that my parents would throw for me every other year. 

This year, I pray it won't be different, but that it will be more meaningful, spent in the company of people I deeply care about, doing good, surrounded by love, enfolded in His grace. 

It's been an amazing 49th year so far, and because I want to preserve the last 100 days leading to my 50th, I plan to write about each day here. Some days it will be about significant memories I've had over the last 49 years, other times, it will be about what brings me joy or what gives meaning to me on a particular day.  The goal is to give thanks and celebrate each day with something good. After all, each day we are given is a gift from God. Not everyone has had the privilege to make it to 50. 

Here I am at age 6, with my princess birthday cake, looking all happy and hopeful. Many things change, but some things remain the same. 

October 16, 1970  in White Plains