Lynn's 60 th Birthday

Aboard the Amtrak  Coast Starlight Parlor Car. 

I learned all of the things I was supposed to learn.

Just taking the time to assess the meaning of life.

I learned all of the things I was supposed to learn. I've always known that Jesus is my salvation. Not much of a student, I learned what I needed for the time at hand. Skipping through elementary school with”She doesn't work to her potential”, plodding through a middle school of 3000 students “Lynn stays out of trouble”, to high school where I was planning my wedding my for most of my senior year graduating 132 out of 150. I loved collage. I was learning for ME and for my life! Graduated in the top 3%. Scored in the 98^th percentile in state LPN broads exam. Computers are fascinating. Learning everyday about whole world beyond my mid-western small town realm. I had no idea that in the new millennium, as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, I'd keep learning at a greater pace than ever before. Or that I'd be LOST without my computers(Yes, many computers. 1973 SHS graduate. Who knew we'd need lots of computers!!!).

Being a mom, teacher and nurse were my life's goals. The year 1981 BOOM!!! DONE!!! Little did I know how I'd treasure the GRAND mother, SUNDAY SCHOOL teacher, and the LIFETIME nurse roles that awaited me. Mothering , teaching and nursing in so many varied times places and situations. I'm amazed when I see the opportunities to continue in all of those goals.

I didn't have any idea of what kind of old person I wanted to be. I still don't. But I've thought of many options. A crazy long gray haired hippie with an organic garden and a few sheep. (seems like a lot of work) A crazy dog lady with 2 old dogs and a walker with a pocket for dog treats. A sweet crazy lady that bakes lots of goodies for everyone of the neighbor kids. (maybe that's creepy). Perhaps the smart funny gal that drives the great sports car and wears fur. (In my dreams). Maybe the mature woman that writes all of the books that have been spinning around in this CRAZY head of mine for years, makes a fortune and in her old age is famous . (spell check has given me great hope). I might like to be a world traveler. (I doubt that because I like to be home). I've had so many older friends that have formed my “Older Woman” pattern. A favorite quote from 101 year old Laura D. “I never thought about being an old lady and I've been one for a long time. But, I still remember CLEARLY being a little girl.” Isn't that wonderful!!!!!

Being a generally happy kid, I grew up seeing a very real world. I was a good little girl, very quiet (don't laugh . I was!!! ), little sister of 3 big brothers ,older sister (by over 12 years) of 1 little sister and well loved by my family. My childhood memories are sketchy at best and sad at worst. My Godly mother protected me and taught me to do the right thing. “Love your kids(she was the best)”. My dad taught me to work hard and take care of your family. (the ONE thing he did well). Brothers teach all of us not to take ourselves to seriously. And the little sister taught me to be a loving nurturing mom. My mother had a long difficult marriage to a mean, unfaithful man. She escaped with 2 girls one day at the end of that rope to start over. She started over with us in tow and was very successful.

I didn't expect to be happy as an adult ,but I am unreasonably happy. I met, feel in love, and got engaged to “My one TRUE Love” in the year 1972. In November 1973 I married into his idyllic “Ozzie and Harriet” family and could NOT believe that they were REALLY that happy. But he brought that happiness into our home. Now, for more than 40 years ,2 children, 4 grand children, one house, one and ½ dogs(Daisy was a granddog), and several jobs (including a shepherd. Not one of my goals but I loved it!) here I am HAPPY. I've loved and been loved in the must remarkable ways. My husband is my best friend, soul mate, the spiritual head of our home, advocate, voice of reason(no! to the 2 dogs),  parenting partner, house mate, building contractor (building shelves for all of those books), gardener, travel companion, prayer warrior and in all things my better half.

So, going back to what kind of old lady I want to be...... here I am. The crazy old lady with a 1000 books that are waiting to be read and never enough time because I love all of the REAL people in my life more that the books. (But,I'm keeping the books.)

I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Lynn

We absolutely love traveling Amtrak Sleeper first class!!! 

I learned all of the things I was supposed to learn.