This is going to be the most random post, ever. Please forgive me, folks, especially dear editor and writer friends, and more than anyone, the grammar and punctuation police. Yikes!
What about a birthday that triggers memories?
While writing this line, do you know the first thing that popped into my mind? (It is really crazy because it was a Christmas, not birthday, gift.) My red and white cowboy girl outfit with the suede fringe, my holster, and pop guns. Does anybody remember those?
It would probably be so politically incorrect today to play Cowboys and Indians like when we were kids. I am not sure why, considering most of the time in my games the Cowboys did not win, and even though Tonto perhaps was an unfortunate name, what would the Lone Ranger have done without his brilliant and brave sidekick? Oh, and I am a huge Tony Hillerman fan.
Those memories lead me to ponder what an amazing time it has been mine to be born in and live.
I’ve seen the first man walk on the moon, the assassination of the youngest and the first Roman Catholic U.S. president to be voted into office, Elvis Presley and the Beatles soar to stardom, the demise of too many actors who were the foundation of Hollywood and the film industry, and experienced Las Vegas growing from a cow town to a bustling metropolis.
The Berlin Wall came down, as did the Twin Towers. The computer age came into fruition, and sports have become a billion-, maybe trillion-dollar business.
The number one song the day I was born was Music! Music! Music! by Theresa Brewer, and on my fifteenth birthday, Stop in the Name of Love by the Supremes. Talk about a difference. Three years ago it was Happy by Pharrell Williams. Now I get why I love that song and him so much. Steve always sends me a Jib-Jab birthday card with that song.
I could go on and on. Literally.
It is an amazing time to be alive. I love it, and I hate it.
I love it because of all the things I mentioned above. Of witnessing so many amazing things that when I was born might have only existed in someone’s imagination. Plus, I am a mom three times over and have five amazing grandchildren. God gave me the perfect husband for the life he had in mind and sent us off on an adventure that has lasted more than forty years. It’s been quite a ride!
And I hate it because while I don’t hold that the 1950s or 1960s were “the good ole days”, or perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, the moral fiber of the of the family and society seemed to be more intact than now. That saddens me. And even though my parents did divorce, it was rare and not a fear I lived with like so many children today. Back then, nobody thought about prohibiting you to pray or read the Bible or salute the flag. This always weighs on my heart. At the same time, we had strict rules to adhere to (some pretty ridiculous) and all very much had to do with social norms and acceptance. I didn’t balk a lot then, but I would now.
On a personal level, I just want to state that getting older is so much better than I had anticipated. Seriously. When I was a teenager, I figured that by my sixty-seventh birthday I would be a crotchety old lady. If I were even alive. I am far from crotchety, if I do say so myself.
I am thrilled that I am still alive.
I am excited about what God still has in store for me. I don’t like the term Golden Years. Not sure why. Probably because I feel like it crams me into a category. Like being called a senior. But, I have to tell you the discounts are awesome.
I still feel happy and hopeful and pray God will use me up to my very last minute here on earth. May this white-haired, non-crotchety, still vital sixty-seven-year-old senior live out her days to His glory!
Colleen Shine Phillips 
OMGoodness! I had the same red cowgirl skirt with the fringe and a cap gun–red cowgirl had. And it is one of my few childhood memories–good ones, that is. I loved reading your post. We have much in common. I would rather wear out than rust out! Wish I could take you out for a bebida!! Blessings! Suz
I love that, Susan. You’d rather wear out than rust out. I will remember that. Thank you so much for sharing here. I think it is hilarious you still remember that bebida thing. And yes, it would be so fun to do that! Blessings on you, also, dear friend.
You are sixty-seven years young, Colleen. So many more places to see, things to do, people to meet.
Loved your post.
Oh, I do feel young still, Frani. So much more to do here on earth. And after that, the adventure will start all over again. Thank you so much for visiting here.
You are definitely not crotchety, my friend! 🙂 So glad we get to celebrate a slice of this time on earth together. I’m very grateful to have you as my friend. Hope we have lots more amazing adventures to come!
Your words to God’s ears, my friend. Thank you for celebrating life with me.
Thanks for this wonderful essay of memories and blessings. I have a memory of you from our S J B C days–as a cheerleader! See, you are always young in my mind’s eye. Happy birthday, and god’s blessings on you.
You are so kind, Karen. But you do realize that I flunked that tryout completely, right? Totally flubbed it. But it was fun to try. Thank you so much for your birthday greetings and blessings. Same to you, dear friend.
Happy birthday, beautiful woman of God! I thank the Lord for creating you and for sharing you with me. I’m excited to see what He has in store for you, too. Thanks for making a difference in my life! To God be the glory!!!!
Wow, I cannot believe that I didn’t get a chance to reply to this wonderful post yet! I have missed so much over the past 12 days, yet it is never too late to say how much I appreciate your friendship and wisdom. What fun to look back on all the exciting things we have enjoyed in our lifetime. As Robert Browning said, “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be…” I pray the best of life is still ahead for you, dear Colleen.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Diane. Your friendship is a gift I treasure.