Reflection on Time Passing

[Saralinda]

How am I a better person than I was 10 years ago? Wow! Ten years ago was 1999. I was working full time, going to school, worrying about my kids, and worrying about my parents. To say I was stressed is an understatement. I was tearing my hair out!

Since 1999, I've finished school with 2 AA degrees, had four different "careers" not counting temping, lost both my parents, launched my kids out into the world, had a health scare, became a grandma, and "retired."

Someone else will have to judge whether or not if I am a "better person" than I was 10 years ago, but I sure am different!

I don't let things get to me in the same way. I go to weekday Mass and pray regularly. It really helps to bring my concerns and issues to God. I've let go of some of my jealousies. I've gained 25 pounds. I exercise 3 times a week. I've gotten to know my kids as friends and not just as kids. I'm learning how to accept things as they are and not how I wish they were.

I've come to love my husband in a different way. His heart attack and neck surgery made me face the real possibility of losing him. I still take him for granted sometimes, but not as often. Every day with him is a gift; sometimes the wrapping is shinier than others.

Today is a good day for this question. I just returned from the funeral of an old friend. Life is too short to worry about the past. As long as I am alive, I am learning and growing.

Here's to my friend, Renee, and here's to life that is ever changing.