Tuesday 10 February 2015

The Cusp of a New Decade...

It's hard to believe that 30 years ago my mother was sitting at her birthday celebration anticipating the arrival of birthday cake, when her water broke, and I decided that it was time to make my appearance in the world. Apparently I was a trouble maker from the get go! Now, to be fair, there is a high likelihood that this story is false. It's based off of the same story that suggests my brother and I were each 40 hour births. I'm no math-whiz, but I'm fairly certain being born at 3:30 am the following day, is not 40 hours! But, nonetheless, that was the story I have been told since I was a small child. Mind you, it's poor planning on her part...to have two kids with birthdays exactly one week apart (and obviously with two years in the difference, but you get the point - February is expensive!).

Today I have been overwhelmed by notes of well wishes and positive thoughts being sent my way. Last year, I found this day very difficult - in fact it was probably the hardest day after my Mom's funeral. For so many years, we would celebrate 'the three birthdays' together - Mom, Michael and myself. It feels strange not to be able to pick up the phone and leave a silly message on her old-school answering machine (you all know the one..."Hi! You have reached..." - I wonder how many tapes she'd gone through over the years!!). When we were little we had a birthday weekend, compliments of her parents. The three of us would get a weekend away at the Old Orchard Inn, which included a stop at the Sunday flea market in the County Fair Mall. It was a tradition that Mom and I had always intended on reliving at 'some point.'

The Mujjie, The Brujjie, and myself. Not sure what year this was.
Today is different. I had anticipated a similar feeling to last year, but luckily, this has not been the case. This is most likely partly due to the fact that I've had meetings and class to occupy my time, but also I think it's because I'm different.

This past year has been one of the best of my life, which I'm sure sounds crazy considering it was the first full year without my best friend. I did things I never imagined. I've live in three different countries, met some amazing people, and pushed myself outside of my comfort zone when possible. Twenty-nine was a good year to be me. Now, this isn't to suggest that it hasn't had it's share of heartbreak, tears, and disappointments, but I'd consider myself to be pretty lucky, all things considered!

As I sit here typing away, I am reflecting on my last ten years. I think of the many obstacles I've overcome. I think of how much I've grown. I think about the people who surround me, and how happy I am to see friends I've had since childhood having babies and starting these incredible lives. It's taken me a long time to get to where I am at this moment - and not even just physically or geographically, but mentally. I've lived 29 years and 364 days and have yet to regret a singe decision I have ever made. And yes, that includes the ones that have placed me in some difficult and unwelcome situations. But the things is, I'm on the cusp of another chapter. I don't know exactly what the next ten years will bring...or the next year, for that matter. I am at a point where things are finally starting to fall into place. I'm surrounded by opportunity. It's just a matter of solidifying what I want to do and making it happen. I feel excited. I feel nervous. I feel exactly how I usually do moments before taking my first step on a new adventure. And I can't wait.

-the Orange Canadian

2 comments:

  1. I am so proud of the person you have become, Emily and so happy that I had a chance to be your choir director when you were a younger girl. I am so sorry that you lost your Mother, but I am sure she is so proud of you. You go girl! I have great memories of both of you.

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  2. What a beautiful blog Emily. As I was reading it, I was thinking what a gift you have for putting thoughts together. Have you ever thought of writing a book? It would be a "Must Read", I just know it. I miss Judy so much and I just loved to hear that message.......You have reached Elite Cleaners and the Kennedy Residence. There will never be another like her, that is for sure. I don't know how to get this comment to show up on your blog, but in case it shows up somewhere in cyberspace, I better identify myself. My name is Anne Lee, or as Doug use to call me, "Bagel Lips"! lol

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