I had to go look it up.
This is the year that I would be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary. Instead, I find myself reflective. I have given myself permission to be reflective. It's a good thing.
Over the Easter weekend, the kids and I did our (new) tradition of camping with friends. We have, over the past seven years, become more a part of the fold. This year, I took more food, participated in cooking, talked more, and generally felt more a part of the group. The kids, of course, have never felt outside of "the fold." They have friends and enjoy time with them throughout our camping experiences. I have, too, but this year was different and it was such a good feeling. It, in fact, allowed me to indulge my reflective period in a really good way.Part of this weekend's festivities included a 30th wedding anniversary celebration. The couple used this special time to renew their marriage vows and then the celebration really began. Also with us this weekend was a couple anxiously awaiting their upcoming nuptials. They got engaged last year and look forward to marrying this fall.
Sandwiched in between this spring celebration of love and this fall's upcoming celebration of love is the date that once was my wedding anniversary. I took a moment (quietly to myself) and thought about that. It was a weird feeling at first. I caught myself asking questions that I haven't considered in years. And then, I stopped myself and reminded myself that the reason I know these two couples the way I do is because of the choices I made and the future I decided to step into back in 2011. I reminded myself of how far I have come. And now, in place of celebrating my 20th anniversary, I get to celebrate other moments. I celebrate the renewal of vows of friends. I celebrate a new love as a couple prepares to marry. I celebrate the joy my children bring to my life daily. I celebrate who I am now because who I am now is a pretty awesome "chick." I celebrate me. I celebrate myself. I celebrate I. Me, myself, and I are the gifts I get this year. My kids are the gifts that keep giving me a life full of joy and love.
Later this year, I will celebrate as I have the past few years and honor myself for who I have become and the path I have followed. I will enjoy time with My Chico and Nini. I will take CD and Miss Hollywood on new adventures and revisit some old favorite places. I will further embrace who I am. I will take my mom to celebrate her 50th high school reunion and I will work to enjoy more down time, creative time, and reading time.
It has taken me 20 years down a winding path to become who I am today and I am thankful for the journey. I am thankful for the reminders that sharing this past Easter weekend offered and I am thankful for the lifelong friendships I have that have further blossomed in recent years.I am thankful.
And so, I need neither china nor platinum to celebrate this year. I just need to remember all of the things for which I am thankful and the gifts they give me daily. I look forward to more sunrises and sunsets with all of these wonderful people who bless me.Peace and love.
