63 is Pretty Darn Good!

So, June is over…the month that I used to cherish for my wedding anniversary and my birthday! Then three years ago, that changed. Dates in June started to become days to avoid!

June 9 would have been my 37^th anniversary. Fortunately, I had plans with friends and the day was a total distraction. Then came June 18, the date three years ago that my divorce became final. THREE YEARS! I didn’t say anything to anyone although there was a friend or two who knew about it and quietly checked in on me. Soon, the day was over and with a cocktail in hand, I thanked my family for getting me through the day.

Then came my birthday and it was a great weekend with Katie, Anthony and Gabriel. Having my little family join me in Louisville for a birthday weekend was a great gift! We went to the zoo (ummm…not exactly what I wanted to do!) and the weather cooperated! We pushed Mom around with us, Gabriel took turns riding in the stroller and walking his little legs off! We heard Gabriel’s imitation of most of the animal noises and we watched him spit out his first taste of a Dole Whip! (he’ll get over that, I’m sure!)

After naps, my brother served up a spread of appetizers (my request!) and we had our cocktail, named the CeCe Swizzle! A tasty mix of watermelon, lemonade and vodka was just what this birthday girl needed! There was a lot of laughing, a chocolate cream pie and the most spirited rendition of Happy Birthday that I’ve heard in a long time.

Saturday, we spent the day at our good friends’ pool! This was to be Gabriel’s first time in a big pool. What fun for him!! Of course, we had a fancy floaty for him, thinking it would provide hours of fun, but no…after two minutes, that boy wanted to stand up on it! Then, as most kids would do, he found the steps to be his happy place. We tossed the ball, played with the noodles, and then, he was ready to jump in!

He loved the countdown to jumping and of course, he had to do it over and over. We had lots of giggles and lots of fun! We wore him out and once he went down for a nap, our hosts grilled burgers and we had a peaceful poolside lunch! Shortly after, Gabriel got up and went right back to the jumping and observing the gorgeous flowers surrounding the pool. It was a great day!

I was blessed to have so many love notes and messages on Facebook, lots of texts, and several cards and calls. Thanks to all of you who remembered me and made me feel special!

So, June isn’t that bad anymore. The sad memories will linger but the joy is starting to fill up the spaces! Although I don’t know what this next year will be like, I know every year it gets better. I have the proof!