Every year at some time around my birthday I write a reflective post about life, getting older and other assorted thoughtful ideas. At least that was what I had in my mind. In preparation for writing this post I went back to my birthday posts from the beginning of the blog (2009) and didn't find all that much reflection. I found pictures of cakes and pies (2020), recollections of celebrations and a number of thank you posts. In between all of that I saw some reflection, but it was more action than contemplation.
This year is different. First, my birthday has yet to happen -- it's not until Saturday -- and last Friday I attended a funeral for a friend/colleague a decade younger. There's no cake yet to photograph and that event set me to reflection. So I asked myself -- with thanks to the movie and song, Alfie -- What's It All About, Buttercup?
"What's it all about when you sort it out?"
I'm still sorting, friends, and I'm pretty sure I'll be sorting it out until that's no longer possible. Sorting it out is living and looking at new situations and issues that I never thought would be part of the mix, especially at 73. My life, for as long as I get the gift, is sorting it out and then resorting it out because love, death, plague and every other thing both good and sad upend the construction that I'd so carefully sorted out. The photograph above is a breakfast for my 50th reunion class at Mount Holyoke. There are long and deep connections entwined in that photograph, both with the institution and with individuals. It's a gift that I know is a blessing.
So what's it all about? Alfie said it was all about "love", but I prefer the term connection. Connection is the glue that holds things together in tough times, a pandemic, for example, and it's the glue that gives me happiness in the good times, the birthday celebrations for the next while.
So here's to connection -- whether it's to people I've known for decades and people I met last week. A cheer for connection to people I spend time with in person and those I only visit with virtually. I'll be sorting it out for what I hope will be a long, long time, but one item that won't need any resorting will be the joys I've known with those I share a connection. Thank you, all!
As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care, dear Buttercupland.
10 comments
I love how you 'sort it all out!' I also believe in connections - and i think it is cool that we you and I connect through our blogs and then a mutual friend!
All of life is a series of connections, I agree, Carol. Like yourself, I am thankful for those made in person and virtually. I am sending you 🎂wishes a day earlier as we will be away in Maine for the weekend.
...a decade younger. The days are long, but the years are short.
Happy 'Day Before'!
Alfie was/is one of my all-time favorite songs ... but I love your take on 'Connection.' That's something I'm not likely to forget!
Cheers!
I think you're right that it is about connection!
I hope your birthday is full of delights, Carol!
I'm glad we're friends!
That was a perfect post for me. I, too, have had a long journey of sorting out. I guess we all do in some fashion. But, lately I've really had to take a closer look at what I want the rest of my life to be. I'm 89, 6 months shy of 90 and so I hear the winged chariot racing behind me. It's deep and serious. I just pray for peace in whatever I still have in my life. And, I am sure you do the same. God bless, Buttercup.
Here's to another year of wonderful connections ! They last a life time !
A very nice post. I hope you have a good birthday and your weekend is filled with many good things.
Ah! Sending many happy birthday wishes to you for this wonderful birthday! Eat cake, and have fun!
Happy Birthday, Buttercup! Here's to connection (and to friendship and love) and to sorting it out again. You're not alone on that, you know Who would have imagined...
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