One week from today I turn 49. Forty-Nine! I do not feel this old… okay maybe a little. I think the hardest part is how close it is to 50 and in my mind, I still think I am in my mid 30’s. Mind you, I don’t LOOK like I’m in my 30’s but who cares about those small little details?
- Me at 35
- Me at 48 – He was in my belly when I was 35…
Interestingly enough, I find myself doing what I did when our daughter turned 15 last year. I remembered what it was like to be 15 and it was strange to think I had a person in my care who was the same age as a year that I remembered so well. This time, however, I am reflecting on when my mom turned 50. How many of your parents birthdays do you truly remember? This one stands out because our family was going through a hard time. My parents were in the middle of a divorce and my mom who was mostly a stay home mom up until I was 15 had to learn how to support herself and start over.
As one of her birthday gifts, my sister wrapped up a picture of an ultrasound of the 1st grandbaby to be welcomed into our family. What a huge gift Taylor Kate was, is, and always will be. Her little life brought hope and joy to a family who desperately needed something positive to focus on.
- You’re going to be a grandma!!
When I look at my mom’s life over the last 23 years it is amazing to see all that she accomplished after 50. When I was 15 she purchased a fur store she was working in at the Hotel Del Coronado. Overnight she went from housewife to business owner. After the divorce, she had to figure out how to make something that was supplementing income into something that was her sole source of income. Over the years she changed it over to a women’s clothing store and eventually ended up in a nice space on Orange Ave in Coronado, right next to the Brigantine. She loved that store. It was hard work and she was exhausted a lot of the time but owning a store in one of the most sought out vacation towns in the country had its perks. She met a few famous people, made a few good friends and made enough money to live on and help out her kids every now and again.
- This cookbook came out in the 80’s. On the red awning down towards the right is the name of my mom’s store… Sydney’s
I sometimes fear that life has passed me by. That somehow I missed out on doing something I really loved doing or I didn’t try hard enough to chase my dreams. But when I stop and reflect on the life my mother has lived I realize that my life is only just beginning. There are more races to be run and more words to be written. There is a lot of life to be lived and I am ready to live it.
- 1988
- 1995
Here’s To Living…
Have A Beautiful Day My Friends!
Tiffany
Let's Hang Out! Sign up here to get all updates sent directly to your inbox.
Gods plan and timing. He has lots for you to do and experience. Onward!❣
Thank you, Mama Judy! I’m following your daughter’s lead. Soooo excited for her!!!♥
Hi Tiffany…I think you are Awesome!!!!!! You are going to love being 49!!!!!!!!! You don’t look 49!!!!!!!! Really…you don’t. You look Great-!!!!!!!! Besides….49 is not old. I think you are Amazing!!!!!!!! By the way….this is Julie….Riley’s girlfriend. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your post through the years, and I think you are truly an Inspiration. You have been through so much and you have handled it all with such courage and grace. Be Proud of yourself for all that you have accomplished and know that you have so much more to do…and live!!!!!!! You are just getting started!!!!!!!!! Just like you Mom. You sure look like her. Never let it bother you that you are turning another year older. Always remember that it beats the alternative. Sadly…some people never get that privilege. Keep doing what you are doing…and Happy almost Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!
I should have known that Riley would attach himself to such an amazing woman! Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for reading what I write and for taking the time to reach out. You made my day.
You are very sweet Tiffany. Thank you. And Thank You as well for helping others with your thoughts and words about your journey and writings through your posts. You are truly making a difference. Now….go out and start getting ready to have your Happiest Birthday ever!!!!!!!!!!! Happy “49”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it! And what wonderful pictures of your Mom 🙂 It’s never too late, we all need that reminder from time to time.
Yes we do. I’m so excited to see how your adventure plays out!
What a precious accolade to your brave, beautiful, incredibly talented mother! Loved her when she was 5 (at ALL of my birthdays parties my entire childhood) and love her at 75! (Almost….Syd, , don’t hit me…I know that I get there first!!)
Judy! You crack me up! Thank you for continuing to follow along, I sure appreciate it.♥