Smile, even when you’re turning sixty. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
MY FRIEND, I’LL CALL HER JULIE, turns sixty today. I know she’s not particularly excited about that number because, as she says, “It sounds old (compared to 59).”
I remember feeling the same when I reached that landmark birthday. And to think I struggled with turning forty. I wish now that I was only four decades, rather than six-plus decades, old.
But there’s something to be said for this age. And I can summarize that in a single powerful, joyful word: grandma. Julie and I, who have been friends since our kids were in grade school, are both relatively new grandmas. Her grandson is 14 months younger than my almost 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter. We trade stories now about grandchildren and share images of the cute little ones who bring us much happiness.
Julie and I have been through a lot together. Joyful times and difficult times. We listen to one another and trust each other. With anything. What a blessing she has been in my life through rearing children and now into loving grandchildren.
On this her 60th birthday, I want Julie to realize that turning sixty is really not all that bad. Especially when you have a grandchild to spoil and love.
Happy birthday, dear friend! I wish you many more years of joyful living.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Every day is a GIFT to Savor and Cherish 🙂 CELEBRATING matters as well as taking time out to play, laugh, have fun and for some deserved R&R time. Happy Day – Enjoy!
Yes, and I just returned from two days of R & R.
It is wonderful to have life-long friends.
That said, are there anymore of those smiley-face cookies left over?
Inquiring minds and hungry stomachs, need to know.
If you stop at HyVee, you can get yourself a smiley face cookie. 🙂
HyVee has been warned about selling them to me. Even the bakery in Blooming Prairie has cut me off. 🙂
Ha ha. 🙂
Try HyVee in Faribault.
They have me in their computer system. The best I can do is buttonhole the occasional shopper and ask them to buy me cookies. It makes for some odd moments
Of course, you would be in their computer system…
Happy birthday to your friend! Growing old sure beats the alternative
Exactly.
I’d never choose to go back… I like this wisdom thing!! Ha ha!
There is much to be said about the wisdom of aging.