I’ve heard it said/
That people come into our lives/
For a reason/
Bringing something we must learn/
And we are led to those/
Who help us most to grow if we let them/
And we help them in return.
– Schwartz
As I was driving home from a tech rehearsal last night, I saw a message from Michael, dear friend from college who was also born in ’73. He’s a brilliant pianist and tv awards show online color commentator. Over the past few years, he’s created “One Take Tuesdays” where he will post a video of himself playing a piece of music in one take. Song choices from hymns to standards to broadway. Last night’s post was for me in honor of my birthday…which is today. I listened to it as I drove…tried to sing along…and ended up a blubbering mess of tears and thankfulness.
In general, most folks (especially women) have a fear of getting to this age. There are a few more wrinkles, pounds, debts and responsibilities than when we turned 21. But…there is so much more. I’ve started to embrace the whole idea of legacy. What is my legacy? Will my children remember me with smiles and affection? Will others talk about the good I spread or will they pick apart my character?
So, please forgive me but I started to go down a very personal rabbit hole of reflection. Has my life been well lived up to this point? I decided not to focus on the negative (because there is plenty), but instead, focus on the things that made me smile.
- I learned how to float on my back at a young age. You know, “Just in case you’re ever in a situation where you’re too tired to swim or feel like you could drown, floating on your back can save your life.” Thanks, Dad.
- I can parallel park. Expertly.
- I’m not afraid to talk to and meet new people and can remember names and dates.
- Eye contact is the most important part of a conversation and a firm hand shake speaks volumes.
- I was a cheerleader in jr. high and high school.
- I helped found and lead the Hart County Speech and Drama Club and competed on a regular basis with my best friend, Kelly.
- I know the ins and outs of an Apple IIe and can still program in BASIC and PASCAL.
- I mastered Atari games and N64 Mario Bros and Duck Hunter.
- I bought Michael Jackson’s Thriller with my own money in the 5th grade.
- I competed in KY Governor’s Cup on academic quick recall in jr. high and high school.
- I was first chair clarinet until high school (when drama took over my life).
- I took Spanish for 8 years between elementary-high school and taught Spanish to a gifted and talented group of 5th graders as a senior.
- I have a bachelor’s degree in theatre and music and met my best friends in the world while getting it.
- I have a master’s degree in education.
- I’ve lived in only 2 states during my lifetime: Kentucky and California.
- I’ve worked in profession theatre in both Kentucky and California.
- I’ve been an event planner and bridal consultant (San Diego).
- I’ve visited 30/50 of the United States.
- I’ve visited 9 foreign countries: Mexico, Canada, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Malta, Rwanda, Uganda
- I’ve been pregnant and given birth. I’ve been paper pregnant and adopted. (Labor with paper pregnancy was much harder.)
- I’ve been loved by the best dogs.
- I’ve been interviewed on tv numerous times for a variety of reasons. (None of which was a tornado sighting.)
- I found a home with Scott County Schools doing what I love.
- I’ve taught over 6,000 students via general ed, music and performing arts.
- I’ve sung the National Anthem at Rupp Arena and taken 5 groups of students to do the same.
- I’ve directed/produced over 40 plays and musicals.
- I’ve founded a non-profit and watched it grow.
- I’ve been an invited guest at Windsor Castle.
- I’ve snorkled, kayaked, water skied, snow tubed, spelunked and climbed to the top of an Aztec pyramid.
- I’ve finished a half-marathon.
- I’ve celebrated milestones large and small with my children.
- I’ve built a life with a partner of over 27 years.
Alyventures 