Today, I’m officially golden. Fifty, fabulous, and somehow still here to tell the tale—a tale with plot twists that would make any Netflix drama jealous. Over the years, I’ve navigated life’s craziest detours, from literal crashes to metaphorical ones, and through every heart-wrenching (or head-wrecking) moment, here I am. And here’s what I have to say about it all: I’m grateful.
On Catastrophes, Miracles, and a Very Hard Head
Life threw one of its biggest curveballs at me on that unforgettable motorcycle accident. I wasn’t wearing a helmet, and let’s just say I didn’t walk away without a scratch. There was a permanent injury, a lot of recovery, and a reminder that, thankfully, I’ve got a hard head. Every now and then, I think about that day and realize how close I came to a very different outcome. Yet somehow, here I am, living proof that miracles are real, even if they come with some scars. That day taught me resilience, gratitude, and a new appreciation for every sunrise I get to see.
The Greatest Losses
Of course, life doesn’t just throw physical tests; it throws heartbreak too. I lost both my parents—my dad to pancreatic cancer and my mom to a series of strokes. Losing them was like a seismic shift in my world, one that still feels strange and unfinished. They were my anchors, my guides, and every day, I miss them. But they left me with strength, laughter, and memories that are worth every tear. If there’s one thing they taught me, it’s that life goes on, even when it feels impossible. So, here I am, carrying them with me in everything I do.
To My Kids: My Greatest Accomplishments (and the Funniest Personalities)
Nothing, and I mean nothing, could make me trade my kids for any other version of life. They are, hands-down, my biggest joys, my greatest headaches, and my most genuine successes. Every joke they crack, every big dream they share, every messy meal and deep conversation we’ve had—I wouldn’t change a single thing. Somehow, these amazing humans looked at me (and my less-than-traditional path) and decided, “Yep, we’ll keep her.” They make every hard day easier and every good day unforgettable. And I’m so thankful for that.
“Bless the Broken Road” (But Especially for Leading Me to My Rockstar, Derek)
Life took me on a few hairpin turns, a couple of potholes, and maybe a wrong turn or two, but that Rascal Flatts song couldn’t have said it better: Bless the Broken Road. Because that road? It led me to Derek, my rock, my compass, my own personal rockstar. He’s been there for the laughs, the tears, and every single “Let’s start over, we got this” moment. We’ve weathered storms together, including his kidney cancer diagnosis, which challenged us in ways I never expected. Derek is the reason that all the bumps along the way feel worth it, and for him, I’d ride down that road all over again. Thank you, my love.
For Friends and Fresh Starts
To the friends who’ve been there for the highs and lows (and maybe a karaoke night or two that no one will ever forget), thank you. You are my unofficial therapists, my lifelines, my comic relief, and my partners in crime. Every laugh we’ve shared and every lesson we’ve learned together means the world to me. Here’s to starting over, celebrating life, and staying young at heart, even as the years add up. Cheers to all the wonderful people who make 50 feel like the new 25!
The Soundtrack of My Life
Then, there’s music. Whether it’s rock, pop, soul, or a sentimental country song, music has been the steady beat to my life. It’s pulled me through the rough patches, hyped me up, and brought me back to life countless times. Thank you to every song, every lyric, and every artist who reminded me of my resilience. You’ve given me more than you’ll ever know.
And the Band of Brothers
Shame is like a second family to me. They keep my rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive, and I wouldn’t trade the late nights, loud music, or backstage laughter for anything. Jason is the brother I never had, and the whole band’s like my crew of wayward brothers who refuse to grow up—just the way I like them. They keep me grounded, laughing, and forever young at heart, and I’ll be their #1 fan till the day I die.
Here’s to Golden Years
They say 50 is the “golden” milestone, and honestly, I get it now. With every experience—good, bad, and unbelievable—I’ve found a new kind of wealth. My kids, my rockstar husband, my friends, my love of life: they’re the gold I get to carry forward. So here’s to 50 years, to all the bumps, bruises, blessings, and golden moments along the way. And here’s to the adventures still waiting on my next 50-year Broken Road. 🥂
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