Loved

I just returned from my girlfriend Shirley’s 75th birthday party. I have known her for little over a year. The woman sitting next to me at the party lunch table had know her for 45 years. There were twelve women present who know Shirley, chosen by Shirley to come to her party.

Her youngest daughter, soon to turn 50 years old, made all the arrangements at a local restaurant’s semi-private room. Soft sunlight from a snowy winter’s day radiated from a wall of windows on one side of the room. Tall helium balloons and a custom cake kept company on two tables full of gifts.

Shirley’s 14 year old granddaughter was sitting next to her mom, grinning from ear to ear, as proud and as calm and centered as her mother and grandma. This young girl was getting a good example of feminine wisdom.

Every woman in that room was age 50 or older. They all had beaming smiles, open hearts and gracious manners.

You can imagine how I felt.

They did not talk about Sisterhood, MeToo, Woman’s issues, or gender stereotyping. We were present for Shirley. Each woman believed Shirley has lived a long life as a totally loving, exceptionally warm-hearted person. By saying, a person, I mean anyone can choose this path and so create such an event on their 75th birthday. Shirley is not rich with money, not a celebrity beyond those who know her personally, not a social advocate. She worked years as a Social Worker. She gives from her heart.

These are the finer things in life. Love is what matters. Imagine in your old age being so remembered by people who feel loved by you. Present day, loved by you. What you imagine, you can make happen. This is worthwhile.