What turning 54 means to me. by Debbie Havens

Yet again, another birthday rolls around, this one, 54 years old today.   I know we all say it but seriously how in the world did this day come so quickly.  Looking back on those "big" birthdays makes me kinda laugh, what was so big then is really a peice of dust today.  Turning 16 equaled DRIVING, at the time, a major deal,actually today driving can be quite a chore.  Then 21, LEGAL, omg, couldn't wait for that one and today, drinking usually entails 64oz of water a day, alcohol once in a while and even then I limit myself mostly because I don't appreciate those morning afterwards.  25 was the next milestone, I was engaged and getting married and moving on, entering the real grown up days.  By the time I hit 30, it was about babies, paying bills and navigating life as a wife/mother and friend.  40 was fun, loved celebrating that big number with friends and family and was still in the baby-life stage having just had our youngest 3 months prior to this birthday.  I remember 50 as another biggy, this time Tim and I were able to take a weekend getaway to celebrate.  Bittersweet knowing you can leave 4 kids(half of them half grown!) at home and all will be well.  So really 54 isn't a big deal, the kids are really growing up now, the two here at home are slowly stretching their boundaries.  Won't be long and it'll just be Tim and I with Michael in the house.  It has been over 20 years since we've just had one child in house.  Now that is something.

So what does turning 54 really mean to me?  This year has brought many changes.  Changes in my employment, stepped out of my workplace of 15 plus years to enter into the RETIREMENT years.  Also began my "rebuild" phase, having knees replacement so that the next 20+ years can be enjoyed without the nuisance of achy knees.  And of course there is that beautiful new grandbaby that Jen and Eric  gave to us this year, nothing sweeter.  Sadly this year has also brought closer to home the fact my dear sweet daddy is truly slipping away.  I pray for him daily and thank God that he and my Mom brought me and my sisters into this world to begin this legacy of our family.  Jesus is good.

I suppose that was 54 means to me, appreciation for it all, God, family and friends.  Without these, I am truly nothing.  So thank you all for being who you are and thank you for celebrating this awesome day with me!

Love.