I recently turned 35. Songs from high school are now on the oldies station. I think the year 2000 was still less than ten years ago. My favorite pants are pajama pants. And my idea of a good time is going to bed early. Wow. I turned “old” in the blink of an eye. I don’t think I’ve ever wondered what 35 would be like. And, to be honest, that’s unfortunate, because 35 is awesome.
On my 35th birthday, my son had one of his regular check-in appointments at the Seattle Autism Center with his developmental pediatrician. On this particular visit, we also had a doctor doing their fellowship and a resident. Our plan was to put the younger kids on the bus and head into Seattle. Plans sometimes don’t work, and in this case, a 2-hour school late start put a wrinkle in our plan. Thankfully, I had two friends reach out to me, knowing we had this morning appointment and ask if they could help with our other three children. #thisis35
We, my amazing husband and son, headed into Seattle a little early knowing the roads might be more winter-y than Seattleites are used to. The Seattle Autism center is a fantastic facility. They are full of resources, smiles and they have our doctor. Our doctor is kind, patient, encouraging and extremely knowledgeable. My husband tells me for the tenth? (I’m not sure, I lost count), time that he’s sorry this is how we are spending my birthday. What this handsome man doesn’t know, is that, spending my birthday with him and our son is nothing to apologize about. #thisis35
Appointments for our son are emotionally draining. We know this and we think we prepare for it, but every single time, we still feel depleted. It is sort of a check yourself moment. Check yourself. Make sure you didn’t forget that your son has a lifelong neurological and developmental disorder. Make sure that as his peers from childhood are getting their drivers licenses and preparing for high school and are dating, that you don’t forget that your son isn’t like his peers. Make sure that you haven’t forgotten, that you are still in the depths of a fight. A fight for services, supports and acceptance. #thisis35
Following our appointment, I am drained. My husband is drained. But we see that our son is drained, agitated and physically and emotionally stressed. His body language, his actual language and the way he interacts with his ipad are screaming to us that he needs a break. He needs time to attempt to gain control of himself before a meltdown begins. So, we go to the van, get buckled in and my husband and I exchange our look. The look that says, I’m tired. So, so tired. But we need to find another gear, we need to rise above because there isn’t another option. #thisis35
So, why is 35 awesome? I woke up to loads of facebook posts from friends near and far wishing me a happy birthday. Friends from my childhood, friends from my neighborhood and through every chapter of life thus far, each taking a moment to let me know they care. I had text messages from friends and family when I woke up and throughout the day. I had phone calls and I think I even had an email from my dentist, all wishing me happy birthday. #thisis35
At the age of 35, I am so thankful for each of the people that God has placed in my life. I wish that I was closer in location to so many of them, but I get to stay up to date with pictures, stories and status updates from them. I know that friendship looks different than it did 20 years ago, and I’m ok with that. Thirty-five means being thankful for small things and big things. I’m thankful for the tradition of birthday donuts. I’m thankful that our kids get so excited to celebrate someone in our family. I’m thankful for homemade cards. I’m thankful for my husband, my children, my family, my friends and my church. #thisis35
At thirty-five, I know who I am. I don’t like black coffee. I have list of foods I don’t care for. I love impromptu dance parties in my kitchen with my kids. I love learning more about Christ. I love that I’ve been given his word that I can feast on. I love the most amazing man. I have the best friends a girl could ask for. I love my family. I love each of my children. I love knowing that despite life not being perfect, life is perfectly awesome. I’m grateful for every scar and wrinkle, though those could slow down … ahem … because they tell a story. A story of God’s goodness in my life. Guys, 35 is pretty great. #thisis35
Light & momentary 