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We Don’t Always Get What We Want — But We Might Just Get What We Need.
I find myself beloved by friends and dogs, but I’ve never had a healthy, happy, loving relationship with a significant other. Sometimes, it’s a real mind-warp — but out of my difficult, often-maddening, and LONG marriage came two of the most incredible humans I know. My two sons are creative, intelligent, loving people who are great sources of support for their friends and partners. I guess I have to give myself a little credit for that — but I think some of it was just luck.
In my sixties, I’m trying to be grateful for the things I have and not lament the things I’ve wanted for most of my life and didn’t get. My most profound gratitude is that nothing truly terrible has ever happened to either of my children, and of course, I hope it never will. I hope they will come to the end of their lives at a great age, without having ever experienced tragedy or heartbreak. I want this more than I want to keep breathing.
I’m also grateful for a strong, resilient body that has served me very well, despite some bumps. And by the time we reach our sixties, most of us have had some bumps. But there are some days when my body feels youthful and zingy, and as a nurse, I don’t take that for granted.
I’ve moved around a lot, and everywhere I’ve lived, I’ve made wonderful friends that I’ve…
