Longevity

Today my mom celebrates her 80th birthday. She comes from a big family of brothers and sisters who lived well into their 80's and 90's, for the most part. Overall, I can't say she's healthy and doing well ... she has lots of ups and downs with her health, and will spend the rest of her years in a nursing home. Her life in the last 33 years since my parents divorced has been filled with much time being alone and experiencing financial hardships ... not filled with what everyone deserves in happy memories of big family get-togethers and relaxing retirement years, traveling to favorite locations. But she pushes on, some days with more gusto than others. And she's the only immediately family member left on my side of the family, after losing my dad almost 24 years ago.

Her birthday gives me pause to wonder if I will be blessed enough to see my own 80th birthday. While I remain positive about my current health and prognosis, one has to wonder what the future holds. Celebrating my 80th birthday would make me a 29 year survivor at that time ... which seems like a big milestone that most breast cancer survivors can't hope to achieve. But looking ahead, it also shows me how you have to live in the moment and make the most of life today ... because while my mom has been blessed with more years of life than I may have, her years have not been filled with the joy that I have already found in life. So no matter how long we live, we have to fill each day, each month, each year ... with love and family and joy. There's no value in waiting until the time is right to pursue your interests and dreams, or to visit that vacation spot you've always wanted to see ... you have to do it today while you are here, in the moment. Or you just might lose your opportunity.