April is my month. I claim it as my own for the very reason that my birthday falls within this month. Well, many significant things happened in April in the year I was born.
1. The first seven American astronauts selected from 110 candidates. 2. Corvette Stingray was introduced. 3. Frank Lloyd Wright died at 91 4. Juha Kankkunen, Finnish rally car driver and four time world champion was born. 5. The first photograph of a falling meteorite was taken in Pribram, Czechoslovakia. 6. Japan's Crown Prince Akihito married Michiko Shōda in a 15-minute Shinto ceremony, at 10:00 a.m. in Tokyo. She was the first commoner to marry into the Imperial House of Japan.
It is interesting how things have evolved. Once there were goals and targets. Now there are good memories and quiet resolution. Once there were bucket lists and deadlines and dreams. Now the hamster running on the wheel can go to the beach and enjoy the view. I don't have to prove anything because I don't need to prove.
And I have God to thank for everything that I have. The things that matter: family, health, friends - the list is not exhaustive. The time that I have: hours and days to do what I enjoy with no pressure or expectation to perform. The space that I have: to breathe, to savour and to explore. The people that I will die for: my husband and my children.
Individualistic perspectives and attitudes have metamorphosed into a kinder and more compassionate outlook on life. Hard borders have blurred and eased. There is a difference between a rock and a pebble in a stream. Over time, the transport of pebbles in a stream causes them to collide and rub against one another and the stream bed, and the resulting abrasion produces the familiar smooth and rounded shape.
Catherine gave me a pot of shamrock yesterday. It amazes me how she remembered to bring me a pot, I had forgotten that I mentioned it the month before. A small and unassuming plant that made its way to become Ireland's national symbol. Like everything else, I started in a small way but now my world has expanded, exploded even to embrace so many new experiences, so much life.
I go to bed excited about seeing the sun tomorrow. I wake up with a spirit to appreciate my surroundings. I choose to see the beauty and not the dross. Small things that bring joy like the tulips in the garden and home cooked food on the table.
Who did I meet yesterday? Who will I meet today? Sharing of thoughts, sharing of ideas, sharing of hearts.
Life touching lives.
That's what matters to me.
