These past years have been tough, like I’ve been thrown into the trenches of life’s war zones, bruised, battered, and drained. But, the recent losses of life around me, gives me pause, at times like these, and reminds, me how vibrant, volatile, and valuable life is.
In the face of unimaginable sorrow, I discern the virtue of presence. The simple act of breathing, feeling, and being. I appreciate the privilege of time- the time to rethink, rebuild, and rejoice. I am raw, but I am resilient. I still have dreams to chase, love to give, and a legacy to live, and leave. Every second is precious, and I intend to embrace them all like, the blessings they are.
I may not be the portrait of physical perfection. My physique has an undeniable softness, a reality I accept with grace. I am becoming, more and more comfortable, in my own skin, secure in the knowledge that every extra curve, every added pound, represents a life lived richly, punctuated by hearty laughter, shared meals, and countless, treasured, encounters. My hair, may be starting, to become dotted with grays, sprouting stark against my dark tresses, but, these silvery streaks are my badges of honor, an attestation to my resilience, courage, and wisdom earned over time. They are the silent witnesses of my life’s journey, each strand, a tale of the hurdles I’ve surmounted, the battles I’ve won, and the dreams I’ve tracked. There are days when my body seems to betray me, when my strength wanes, and my spirit falters. But these ordeals, no matter how inconsequential they may seem, have lent me a deeper appreciation, for the miracle, that is life. They remind me, just how precious, every heartbeat is, how crucial every breath. They make me appreciate the beauty of human frailty, and our collective resilience in the face of adversity.
But above all, my heart swells with gratitude for the multitude of blessings that have graced my life. Every sunrise I witness, paints an exquisite masterpiece of hope, and every sunset, an observer to the day’s conquered challenges. Every moment of laughter, is a divine gift, and every tear dropped, a poignant reminder of our capacity to feel, to love, to breathe.
As I look forward, down the road of my life, I know, the best way for me, to honor God’s blessings on my life, would be to keep marching on, celebrating each day like the gift it is. So that’s what I intend to do.
With a heavy heart, I raise my toast to life, to the lessons, to the love, and to the lingering memories that will forever guide my way.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-2
MK
BORNWAPS 