A year ago at this exact time I was sitting at Charles de Gaulle airport. Awaiting my flight, trying to hold it together as I passed my last hour on French ground, trying to prep myself for my arrival home and TC’s birthday party.

Without question, time is in super stealth mode. I find myself grappling with how quickly I think back to “last year.” In addition to having to think of TC as another year older.

It’s still strange to say both my parents are well into their 60s now. Remember when 60 was old? Hell, I remember how old I thought 30, 40, and 50 sounded. Yet as I myself pass year milestones, I realize that is just the same.

I am no different, as my parents are no different. The only thing that is different, is the sobering reality that the years will continue to pass and eventually I must face The Truth that they will not be here forever with me. I am remaining in temporary denial about that, kay?

At the heart of me is a stay-at-home, have my parents always with me girl. Co-dependents, be damned.

I much more appreciate my parents’ birthdays now. I want them to be joyful times for all of us. The Savoring in full force. Even though, sometimes, it’s hard to Savor in the moment.

Because Real Life happens in the moment, too. But, I guess, that’s where it all ties in together at the same time … because Birthdays are part of the Real Life/Truth/Plan/Way/This Thing Is Not Random.