I'm 60! 😉

Welcome to my blog at A Joyful Haven! I am so excited to have this space to share some of my more wordy thoughts. And let's be honest, I can get a little wordy or lengthy when I write. Not like 5,000 words or anything, but still more than what Facebook or Instagram posts should be. So, this space will be good. 

This past Friday, July 5th, I had a milestone birthday. I went down to southern Illinois to celebrate with some friends, which was so much fun. Instead of telling people that I am 29, like many do, I decided to add a decade to my age. So, I would tell people that I was 60 instead of 50. That way they would think I look real good for my age. There were even some points in the night where I started saying I was 70. Of course, a few drinks may have led to that. 😂 I really think I figured out this aging thing. Forget 29 people...go older!

For dinner we ate at Midland Inn. They have delicious food and tasty drinks! On the left side of the table, from front to back, we have Stacey, me, and my daughter, Ali. On the right side of the table, from front to back, we have Angie, Cori and Betsy. I was so blessed to spend my special day with all of these great ladies!

Angie & I were roommates back in 1995, and we try to get together once a year. I am actually headed to her place at the end of this month, so this dinner was a nice added bonus! Cori & I work together, so she is my newest friend in this picture, but she is fabulous!

Stacey & I hamming it up for the camera. We've been friends for  34 years, and we lived together for 3 years in college. She was also in my wedding. 

Here from left to right we have Betsy my Bestie, me, and Betsy's niece Michelle. I have also known Betsy for 34 years, and she too was in my wedding. Her family has always been like a second family to me. Love them all so much!

Now that my birthday is over, we are approaching Jeff's birthday on the 15th. Today is technically midway between our two birthdays. I turned 50, and he will forever be 46. It just doesn't seem right. This was my 6th birthday that I have celebrated without him. I guess you could say that I have gotten used to celebrating without him. That could partly be because he usually worked or was busy on my birthday. I won't say that he didn't buy a gift, take me to dinner, and/or do something for my special day, but birthdays just weren't super important to him.  

I could also be kind of used to celebrating without him because I just imagine that he is with me part of the time or I talk to him. I have gotten real good at still incorporating him into my life. I don't mean that in a delusional way. I just consider Jeff's soul to still be alive, so I talk to him. Since we were one, I listen for his answers in my heart, mind, and soul. Really, living life this way, has helped me to still do life with Jeff, but also move forward in a way that feels healthy. I still talk to my dad and my grandma Havens too. Those that were close to you will always be a part of you in my opinion.

Have you faced a big loss? Do you still talk to them? Are big days like birthdays or holidays difficult for you, or have you learned to navigate them in a way that works for you? I would love to hear from you!

#birthdays #forget29 #goolder #celebratingafterloss