At a time when I was getting all worked-up about turning 40, she was battling for her life. It was a battle she lost, unfortunately, and at that point, I realised how thankful I should be for being able to get to that age.
Having been a doctor, I have been touched by many deaths over the years, young and old. I made friends with a lovely girl on the children’s ward whilst I was working there. We used to play Guess Who together. She didn’t even get as far as her late teens, let alone close to forty.
And for those not yet there, I would say the forties are fun.
The kids are growing up and far more fun to be with. I mean, you really haven’t lived until you’ve been asked, ‘What do girls do for masturbation, Mum?’ by your son whilst driving along, and still kept the car on the road!!!
Many things get worse, like eye sight, weight gain and your back, but I think there is a confidence that comes with age and a sense of who you are.
For me, there was writing too. I have found so much joy and friendship through joining the ‘literary gang’ and have learnt a whole host of social media skills I never would have known existed otherwise. Only a very few years ago I had never even been on Twitter and only dabbled in Facebook. I now have my own website. How mad is that?
So for today, I would like to wish Suze a happy birthday and take a moment to feel grateful for everything I’ve got. And I will point and laugh at my teenager, because that’s what parents are supposed to do, and poor Suze never got to.
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