Over the weekend, I went to Philadelphia to surprise my best friend, who was turning 70. I wanted to be there to celebrate her big day. Turning 70 is a milestone that most of my friends and I experienced in 2024, but Mary is the youngest of all my friends, so she is the last to experience it!
She is not happy about turning 70…I think we all feel this way as the years add up…but my thought is, how lucky are we to reach this age? So many people don’t get the opportunity.
Mary and I have a long history and a special bond. We have been friends since we were four and five years old. We went to the same grade school from 1st to 3rd grade till Mary moved. After the move, we wrote letters to each other over the years to keep in touch.
We are the type of friends who cannot talk for months, and then something spurs one of us to call the other, and we pick up where we left off. That is a good friend!
I was so glad I made the trip to celebrate her big day. I got to spend time with her, her husband, her three grown children, and their wives/husband and their children. Mary has a beautiful family that she loves with her whole heart. We had a great dinner at a cute little Italian restaurant, and then we all went to her house for cake and ice cream.
As I flew home, I realized how lucky I am to have a husband who ‘gets me’ and knows that doing something like this is important to me. Living in Florida, we have missed many family and friend events. But when I tell him, “I really want to go for a special dinner or a weekend to New York with my friends, ” he always says, ‘ Go and have fun.’
One of my favorite sayings is, “Life is short – Take the Trip- Eat the Cake – and Buy the Shoes.” These are the little things that make our lives meaningful!
I hope you have been able to do something on a whim—to make a family member or friend feel special. I was hoping you could take a minute to share your experience in the chat, as I am sure others will appreciate reading about how special that event was.
Thanks for reading! Have a good week!
Dear Anne, I love this. I am now in the 70’group. I think back to when I first started in Case Management and became involved in the newly formed CMSA . I met so many wonderful people over the years through my career. I don’t always spend time with them but I have wonderful memories of the times I did. Like with you.
Thanks, Anne for such a good reminder.
My best friend wanted me to go with her to New York in June. I knew I did not have the stamina for NYC but decided that I will visit her in North Carolina , instead for a late 70th birthday celebration for her. Since my son passed away it has been hard for me to leave my home, so this is a big step. I know it will be good for me once I take this step, but leaving will also be difficult since I have to also make so many preparations for care of my husband while I am gone. Step by Step…
You said a mouthful!
Love the title, love the adage!
I agree and have the shoes to prove it!