Dear Mother Laura,

My "other" mother used to say if life were fair, we would be born old and die young. She has lived a hard life and I can see where she would feel that way. I'm glad that it didn't work out that way for her because her wisdom, grown from her hardships, helped to make the tough times in my life more bearable.

I have enjoyed each of the decade milestones in my life, as I have aged.
At 20, I thought I could do everything and would run over anyone to prove that I could. I didn't stop to listen; only barreled on through to show that I already knew how.

At 30, I slowed it down a bit when I realized I didn't know as much as I thought I did and I became interested in the practice of listening.

At 40+, I have picked up the pace again and still feel I can do anything, but have realized I do not have to make all of my own mistakes and can learn from others. I have an appreciation for listening, especially to those who are older and wiser, as they have so much to share.

If I could find a way to make a living doing it, I would write biographies of friends and loved ones. I find their years to be filled with characters and storylines that I only could have imagined living.

If we were to die young, we would likely die without being able to appreciate where we have been. I love the journey - Mine, as well as others'.  I'll die young at heart, one day.

Kim