Growing older or wiser?

I fully intended this blog to be a legacy for my grandchildren someday.  In looking over the posts for the past 9 years, I am proud to say that future generations will have a true glimpse into my everyday life.   But, for now.....

This has been such an intersting time for me.  As I prepare for the arrival of my new grandchild in a couple months, I can't help but reflect on how the recents events in my life have affected me:

I learned to live life as a widow.  I have survived 100% of the worst days of my life.  I believe in me.  I can do anything.

I understand how one chapter of your life can end and another new exciting chapter is just around the corner - if you open your heart for it.

I now see my children as responsible adults that I can lean on from time to time if need be.

I found that falling in love is indeed possible at any age.

I witnessed how "friends" come in and out of your life - not sure how or why, but I've learned not to question any one else's motives.

The older I get, the less I care about what others think.  I realize how short life is and I know I just want to be happy - and it is MY definition of happiness that matters.

My dad always said, "you don't need a LOT of money, you just need ENOUGH money".  I finally understand this.

I know that "worrying about a problem" has never changed the outcome.  I now choose to spend that time doing something else.

I understand the expression, "man makes plans, and God laughs".  I never take future plans too seriously anymore.

Does this make me "Cinderella"?

I have decided to call my new beau Prince Charming.  In a way, he has rescued me from myself.

As we all know, I was very fortunate to have a Wonderful man in my life for nearly 40 years.  He taught me about love, true love.  When he died, I mourned him deeply.  I also mourned the loss of MY life as I knew it.  I never thought I would ever be loved like that again or find someone for me to love like that.

Prince Charming unexpectedly came into my life and things changed.  As time progressed, my heart was, once again, filled with deep emotion.  This man fell in love with me and I with him.  I have learned that love at 59 or love at 19 - it's a beautiful thing!

Being we were both widowed after long, successful marriages, we understand what it takes to nurture such a realtionship.  We click.  We work.  We have the same morals, priorities and goals.  We are happy.  The framework for our puzzle is complete.

Family is our top priority. We both have kids.  That's a whole lot of added puzzle pieces!   We are ok..... we know the puzzle will come together, perhaps not overnight, but the finished product will be frame worthy.

My life is very different now.... and it should be.  My old life is over.  This is my new life.  It feels good to love again and to face each day with an honest smile.

Quick Catch-Up

1.  Bobby and Suse are having a baby - due date 2/21/17

2.  Bobby and Suse had a devastating house fire in August.  They were not hurt.  They are living in my house now.  The rebuild should take a year.

3.  Had another wonderul outing with the MR High School girls.  Lunch and a Broadway show for 14 of us.  So blessed to have these women in my life.

4.  I have found happiness in my new relationship.  "Mr. ***** (nickname pending) makes my heart smile...