On Friday, January 26, 2018, I turned 60! I was born on a Sunday afternoon around 5 pm……..while 5 older brothers and 3 older sisters were anxiously waiting for the news. Was it another boy? Or, a girl, after 4 boys in a row! I think I would have been called “Martha” regardless! A shout out to my parents - Stan and Alice Castle - for raising us 9 kids - on one salary - when there was (often) more month than money.

I’m not old but neither am I young. I’ve learned things in my life - sometimes the hard way. In no particular order - I wrote down 60 things I’ve learned and relearned - experienced and continue to experience, loved and continue to love - when I turned 60!

#1. When you smile at people - they generally smile back.

#2. Anyone can start a fight - it takes a brave person to end it.

#3. Choose being kind over being mean.

#4. Learning to play the piano takes time and discipline. That’s a good thing. I’m so glad I took lessons for lots and lots of years.

#5. Scales, arpeggios, 4-note patterns are tedious but necessary.

#6. Everyone should learn to be a team player.

#7. Eating real food is healthier than food out of a box.

#8. Being a mom is the greatest accomplishment of my life.

#9. Training for the races I’ve run brought me great joy in the end. Sometimes during the training it was very hard and not much fun. Running in the rain and snow and wind was hard but it paid off.

#10. My 8 siblings and their spouses are my closest friends.

#11. Twice in my life - I’ve had a best friend. The first one was when I was 7 and the second one when I was fifty-two. I’m grateful for both women.

#12. My parents taught me to tithe 10% to our local church.

#13. They also taught me how to save for things. (Hard to do in an instant-have society)

#14. Don’t hold grudges.

#15. My dog - maggie - was my best Christmas present ever! I loved her.

#16. I’m grateful for what I have rather than bitter for what I don’t have.

#17. Don’t make promises you can’t or won’t keep.
#18. I choose not to fear.

#19. On raising children - the hardest work is done in the pre-school years - after that - it’s easy! :)

#20. Attending church and Sunday School is a given and a privilege.

#21. Keep teenagers busy in sports and music and youth group.

#22. Walk daily.

#23. Be an encourager.

#24. Only yell when there is a fire.

#25. I would take a bullit for my grandkids.

#26. I have been privileged to love and bless two husbands.

#27. My God is the same on the mountain as well as in the valley.

#28. Sometimes there are worse things than death.

#29. Broken hearts eventually heal.

#30. Forgive as God has forgiven you.

#31. Complainers drive me crazy.

#32. Sometimes life is not fair. Get over it.
#33. Fishing takes patience.

#34. During the most difficult week of my life I was surrounded by my children, my family, my friends and hundreds of people who I didn't even know - who cared for me when I couldn’t care for myself. I’m so grateful.

#35. Always be prepared.

#36. I love to worship. I love to sing. I love to lift my hands.

#37. Massages - facials - manicures - pedicures - are really good therapy.

#38. Being prompt is an honourable thing.

#39. The sound of rain on a tent is very romantic.

#40. Pickup baseball with the boys and their friends was one of my favourite things to do.

#41. Road hockey is right up there too.

#42. Directing the musical “Anne of Green Gables” was deliriously joyful for me.

#43. Incredible love - holding each of my grandchildren for the first time.

#44. I love coffee and the first sip in the the morning is the best. Weak coffee is not worth drinking.

#45. The day I completed my first half marathon was amazing.

#46. Important dates - June 2, 1979 - January 15, 1982 - April 6, 1983 - August 20, 1984 - July 24, 1994 - February 12, 2007 - June 28, 2014 - July 4, 2014 - April 2, 2016. (I would now add January 26, 2021).

#47. I’ve always been comfortable in my own skin.

#48. I’m not very good at confrontation - sometimes it’s necessary but most times I’d rather keep the peace.

#49. I loved that my boys worked at Camp IAWAH through their teen years. It was worth so much more than a good paying summer job.

#50. I don’t drink alcohol and that’s fine by me.

#51. One dessert. Two forks. (that’s love)

#52. Letting my hair go from blonde to grey took a lot of courage.

#53. I’m competitive. As Jen says - “I didn’t come here to finish 2nd!”

#54. The Sound of Music is my favourite movie ever.

#55. If you don’t have anything nice to say - don’t say it at all.

#56. Don’t waste your life worrying what people are thinking or saying about you.

#57. I like to colour outside the lines and that’s okay too.

#58. Waiting begins with trust. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

#59. I love to read. Books have taken me to places I really want to visit someday.

#60. I’ve loved living in every decade. I’m looking forward to sharing this next one with Harvey - the kids - the grands - my family and friends.

With Thanksgiving approaching - I hope and trust that you can make a list of things that you’ve learned and loved.

So grateful.

So thankful.