I am fifty-three

December 30th, 1958 the height of the baby boom, we weren't just post war America we were now entering the Cold war. I made my entrance into this world, the youngest of four children. I was born on my Dad's 28th birthday, the unplanned 4th child who was he always said, his best birthday present ever.

My childhood was the 60's and 70's a turbulent time not just in America but worldwide. I grew up watching Walter Cronkite on the evening news. I remember the moments , hours and minutes following President Kennedy's assassination. I followed the Vietnam war, I remember how on Friday evenings they would announce the number of casualties on both sides of the conflict. I remember the news reports about the violence in Northern Ireland and asking my Mom why did they fight like that. Her reply - “ it's always been that way”. I read Life magazine and National Geographic. I watched the Monkees, and later the Partridge family and The Brady Bunch. I loved Gunsmoke and named a stuffed Donkey I received for my Birthday one year when I was sick Mr. Dillon ( and I still have him). My dad brought him home to me. I'm sure it was a last minute purchase as my Mom had been stuck at home caring for me for several days. This same situation was repeated some 5 or 6 years later when I received a lovely stuffed Goat from him. I survived my teen years in the 70's and became an adult. The 70's, I watched from the sidelines as the culture of drugs and discos, counter cultures and women's lib thrived. How new ideas found acceptance in society. Forced integration at schools – I saw it first hand. I hated the inequalities that existed in our society. But I have lived to see the progress that has been made in the decades since. I have been here to see it.

I raised children across many decades now. My first born in the 70's and now I have two in this the 2010's.... 70's 80's 90's 00's 10's, just how old am I?

I am 53. I have lived a life of great joy and great sorrow. I have had many struggles and triumphs. I have earned every wrinkle and gray hair. In Junior High I was bullied for being so small nerdy looking. In high school I had many friends and no shortage of boyfriends. I struggled when one marriage failed only to find my soul mate and to live happily with him for many more years and hopefully many more to come. I have given birth to and adopted children with great joy, and buried a child with incredible sorrow and heartache. I have been on a journey that has taught me that every experience in life leads to the next step. It is only because of the path that I have walked before that I am on the glorious path I am now on.

I am a survivor. I may be knocked down – but it won't be for long. I may look my age but I usually don't feel it and I sure as hell don't want to act it. To each birthday I say.... Come on , I am ready for you. I have earned you!

I AM 53!