I’m Embracing 30

This week is the 30th anniversary of my birth.  Over the past several weeks, I have been asked, “How do you feel about turning 30,” more times than I can remember.  Honestly, I feel great about it.  I am embracing 30!  Life (because of the Man Upstairs) has been good to me over the last 30 years, so why wouldn’t I?

Sure, there have been some rough spots. But, I have had a couple of exceptionally strong women as examples on how to not only persevere, but also be genuinely happy through it all.  Those exceptionally strong women are my grandmothers.

Grandma and Grandpa Hart with me after my baptism nearly 30 years ago.

My Grandma Hart led a pretty amazing life, but as with anyone else there were bumps in the road – things that set her apart and showcased her strength.  During her 83 years, she raised five boys, was a die-hard Husker fan, stood by the love of her life while he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, and survived heart valve replacement surgery.  Through all of it, she relied on her faith in God’s plan to get her through.

I have recently had the privilege of looking through the scrapbooks she so diligently kept, and the common theme through all of them is her smile.  The photos in those albums simply reiterate the fact that she was someone who found the positive and/or humor in every situation.

Great Grandma and Grandpa, Grampa Jim, and Grandma C with me on my baptism day.

I have always admired my Grandma C, and not just because of her fun loving personality and unique sense of style.  She is one of THE strongest people I know.  When my mom and aunt were young, Grandma made the courageous decision to take her girls and leave her abusive marriage.  She was a single mom for nearly three years before marrying my Grampa Jim.

There are a couple of days that I remember vividly from my youth: the day my great grandma passed away and the day my Grampa Jim passed away.  As clear as those two days are in my memory, I know I do not remember them nearly as vividly as my Grandma C.  She was the first on the scene when both of them passed on, and yet, she had the strength to comfort those around her during those times.

I was fortunate to have spent quite a bit of time with each one of my grandmothers growing up.  They both taught me so much and they are still teaching me to this day.  Even though my Grandma Hart is no longer here on earth, I am still learning from her through her scrapbooks.  Each time I chat with my Grandma C, my admiration for her does nothing but grow.

I aspire to be more like them – to have a deep faith and a zest for life like you’ve never seen.  So, while others may dread turning another year older, I am totally and completely looking forward to it because if I am anything at all like my grandmothers I will only get better with age.

That my friends is why I’m embracing 30!

I was fortunate to have both of my grandmothers come visit me after the birth of my son.  These photos were taken the day after we got home from the hospital.