Aren't surprises the best? I had a front-row seat to one last Thursday night, showing up to my Nana's house at midnight (yes, she was still awake!) to be a guest at her 90th birthday party the following day.
My nana raised four kids and has lived through countless ups and some significant downs as well. On this visit I had the chance to ask lots of questions that never occurred to me when I was younger.
What struck me most was realizing that in the big scheme of things--looking back over a long life of 90 years--the petty details of life fade from view, and time gives you a different perspective looking back than you had looking forward.
Extended family often gather at funerals to remember those we love, but this year we had the immense privilege to gather with Nana to celebrate. We had the chance to tell all we appreciate about her while she's still with us.
At her party I read this poem, which reminds me of how my Nana has not only managed to live, but to live so well:
Another Chance
by Helen Steiner Rice
How often we wish for another chance
to make a fresh beginning.
A chance to blot out our mistakes
And change failure into winning.
It does not take a new day
To make a brand new start,
It only takes a deep desire
To try with all our heart.
To live a little better
And to always be forgiving
And to add a little sunshine
To the world in which we're living.
So never give up in despair
And think that you are through,
For there's always a tomorrow
And the hope of starting new.
