POST #8
As I approach the 22nd anniversary of my 21st birthday, I have done some reflecting on life. As most of us do around our birthdays.
I remember looking forward to turning 21. It was a big deal to be able to legally buy alcohol, not that sneaking to Mr. B's drive-up window wasn't fun when I was a teenager.
It was fun to cruise the loop in Caruthersville, listening to the radio and thinking we were big Ka-Ka with our wine coolers !
The only thing BIG about us was our hair! Thank you Earl D.
Had to love the 80's!
My 21st birthday was spent in Champaign, Illinois. At the bar I worked at, Chester Street.
Of course, with it being Valentines Day, there was a drag show. (again, big hair)
If you've never had a bar full of people and about 20 drag queens singing happy birthday to you, you don't know what your missing! I still have nightmares!!
It was a great night with friends as far as I can remember. At least I was told that I had a great time.
Strange the events we remember in our lives............ also strange are the ones we try to forget!
So, now what? Do I look forward to turning 43 with the excitement I had when I was turning 21?
Not exactly.
This year is to celebrate making it this far, to appreciate the little things.
I have been blessed and highly favored as far as I am concerned, for the friends I've made and the lives that in some small way I have touched. And by the lives that I have been touched by.
I look back on my life ( so far) with pride, and maybe some embarrassment ( Sr. pictures).
But thankful to be looking back none the less, to have the chance to say to anybody that will listen, here I am and this is my story.
Reflecting again ,on more of my fathers words when he said "You will be defined in life by who your friends are".
I am glad to be defined by each of them...........
Each has taught me something powerful. How to laugh, to cry, to cheer and fight. How to stand on my feet and how to get up when I fall.
To respect, to encourage, to care and to listen.
So, an extra candle on the cake this year.
Fine.
It only means a little less room for frosting!
first of all "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" from everyone here especially the kids. I can imagine what your 21st was like.. thats a lot of drag queens, hope they sang on key instead of off. Hope you guys are faring well with the weather and we are all very glad Mark got a new chair!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jon! I think I can honestly say I had a part in your big MOVE to Champaign...just seems odd to think back to our life before Champaign. I see now that God had a bigger and better plan than we did. I will be forever grateful and thankful to call you my friend. We went thru alot together and I love the way we continued to remain friends. It took some time for us to both find "ourselves" but I'm just glad we were together for the ride. I wish you happiness and peace on your knew adventure in life.
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