Murdo Girl

New Years Day

This was our last day in Galveston. Tomorrow we head for home. All the RVers spent the day relaxing and watching football. Dallas lost, but I teared up when Tony Romo came in the game and threw a long pass for a touchdown. You could see by the look on his face that he really needed that moment of success. It felt good to do what he loves to do if only for a brief few minutes. It’s those moments that feel right, and feel good that keep us engaged in our own lives. It can be a personal achievement or seeing someone else experience one of those joy filled moments. I’ve discovered, as many others have, that it doesn’t matter how old or young we are, life should be lived. The gift of each day should be respected and treasured. It’s not always easy to keep that thought.

The older I get, the more I hear, “We’re not getting any younger.” The point we’re supposed to get is it’s now or never time. Get out the old bucket list and start marking things off. The truth is, you can get as much joy from spending an evening sharing a potluck meal and visiting with friends, as you can from dining at an expensive restaurant.

It’s all relative to where we are in life. I have lived through some really tough times as I’m sure most of you have. I know I will have to live through more difficult and sad times, just as we all will, but I’ll also have those moments like Tony did today. As I read the wonderful comments on the blog and the birthday wishes from all of you, I felt so much joy. It was a great way to start the New Year.

Tonight, I will think about other good times, like this evening spent with new and old friends. We all talked about our kids and grandchildren, told funny stories and reminisced about where we grew up and the things we’ve enjoyed. In an atmosphere like that, one topic of conversation leads to another, and it’s usually the good times we’re reminded of. Because we were all camping and within walking distance of each other, it made getting together easy, plus nobody was thinking they should be doing the laundry or mowing the lawn.

After all the fun stuff from over the past several days, I don’t want to wax philosophical too much or bring anybody down, so I will leave you with this poem.

Independence Day 

I went outside to get some air. My day had done me in.

No matter how much or hard I tried, I just couldn’t win.

I had a cold, my car broke down, and I was truly busted.

I was too sick to go to work. My thoughts could not be trusted.

The air conditioner didn’t cool and it was hot as Hades.

My husband left me high and dry and went off chasing ladies.

As I sat there on the stoop, something shiny caught my eye.

There was a festive kid’s parade about to pass me by.

I saw a small red wagon.. pulled by a horse no less

And in a chair there sat a Queen. She wore a long red dress.

She waved with one hand, and held on tightly with the other.

The little chair slid back and forth, first one way then another.

I guess the other kids were close enough to help the regal Queen.

They marched along and each child’s smile was as bright as I have seen.

A tiny marching majorette proudly led the way

As we were all reminded it was Independence Day.

I watched the little Queen travel up the gravel road.

She turned her head to look at me and understanding flowed.

It was then I realized the shine that caught my eye

Was from a homemade tinfoil crown atop a head held high.

I never have forgotten though it happened long ago.

She looked at me as if to say, ” You’re stronger than you know.”