Aged To Perfection

Last week I finally turned 40. I say it this way because I am the runt of the litter in my besties group and I couldn’t wait to get on the fourth floor!

Kidding aside, I have been 40, mentally, for quite some time because the life that God gave me has been everything but dull. Each year has truly counted by two.

On the day of my birthday, I had the privilege to celebrate with my adoring husband, son, mama, cousin, and the rest of my family in Colombia via Zoom. We cut the cake, sang Happy Birthday, and cried remembering the day when I was born.

I came to the world on the seventh day of June. I was raised by my Mom, 23, with the help of my Granny, 46, two aunts, 19 and 14, and three uncles, 21, 16, and 11 respectively–all of us under the same roof.

I learned to like their favorite music, TV series, and movies from the 80’s. They taught me to dance and play sports. I saw the world through their eyes and pretty much learned  the values of kindness and honesty that I stand for today.

As the years went by, I could always be found chatting with my friends’ parents or the oldest person at any given place. That is something my husband realized when we met. I am an old soul.

Turning 40 was a big milestone for me. It was time to pause and reminisce about my life. It was also a time to recognize the triumphs, accept the defeats, choose what dreams are worth pursuing and which must be modified or simply forgotten.

Although I could live without the incipient arthritic pain, stomach issues, and white hairs–especially in my eyebrows!–I absolutely love being 40.

I know exactly who and what I want in my life. I treasure my girlfriends, whom I’ve known for more than half of my life. And even  though I speak my mind with conviction, I also have learned to remain silent and listen more.

My loved ones gave me beautiful and funny cards that made me laugh and cry, but my mom’s struck a deep chord. My favorite part reads: “You’ve grown up to be a woman who laughs often, cares about others, and does what’s right.“

I know that a child is perfect in a mother’s eyes. But the fact that my Mom, my model of strength, fairness, and compassion believes that, was overwhelming. 

The banner of my birthday said “Aged to Perfection.” I know I am not there yet, but that is one of the dreams I am not willing to forget.

Thank you for reading and sharing.

Xiomara Spadafora

---

Disclaimer: The views expressed in Good Crazy Woman are the author’s and are not influenced by paid sponsors or advertisers. The author is not responsible for the comments generated in the open forum. All copy rights reserved.