Perspective is Everything

Last night I was visiting at my mom and dad's house, because mom's cousin and husband came from Minnesota for a visit - it's been 40 years since they were here last. That doesn't even seem possible. My mom was an only child for a long time before her only sibling was born - a little sister. Then she began to have cousins, who were much younger than she - peers of her sister and even of myself. I had great fun with her cousins when we had family get-togethers. She was more like an aunt to them. Even then, I always considered Gail (the visiting cousin) to be a lot older than I. Yesterday I realized that she was only 7 years old when I was born. My mom was truly a child bride and had 3 kids in 3 years, starting 13 months after they were married. So - all of a sudden I am a peer of this person I always thought of as older! Perspective.

I saw a note on my fridge this morning that has hung there since 1996 with a quote from my recently returned prodigal (the one we had the cyber celebration for only a week ago!). It says "I hate this town. I will never love this town." I had him sign and date it and it's been hanging there now for 10 years. After being gone for 18 months with Teen Challenge, he almost kissed the tarmac when he got off the plane last week. Somehow this town looks pretty good to him now! Perspective.

I didn't start working full time until my son was in 8th grade. I began my current job when I was 45. Since I work for the state, my retirement is such that I can get a fairly decent amount if I work 20 years. I have had it in my mind that I have 7 more years to work. Recently we met with a financial planner who informed me that I could conceivably retire with my husband in 2 years. Do you know what that did to me?? Suddenly I am developing a short-timer's mentality. I have been thinking 7 years out. I don't know if I really will quit that soon, but it's an option at least. Perspective!

On another note, a visitor to my post yesterday said she enjoyed my wonder years stories. I like that - I did have a great childhood. I hope nobody minds if I indulge in those wonderful memories occasionally in this format.

Have a great week-end everyone! It's been fun in blogland for me this first week of this adventure.