I’ve never been great at tracking the books I read – and I’ve been known to question whether I’ve already read a book that appeals to me. Rebecca and I tend to share books, so she’s the person I can say “you know that one about ….” And she actually does know.
It’s hard to pick favorite books, and I won’t even include the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling on my list. Harry’s story is an epic tale of the power of love, friendship, loss, and the triumph of good over evil. Though categorized as “young adult,” I read them in my 40’s (when they came out). The series defies age limits and would be consistent on all my lists. But here are some favorites for different age groups, as well as 2019 favorites.
When my friend’s son (ok, it was Amy’s son) leapt for an interception and landed in the ER, I headed out to lend moral support. Honestly, it was as much for me, to hug Amy and all her kids, and see if I could help. Here’s the rub…it was the local hospital where I spent my career. A little more than half my lifetime so far.
What was a national tragedy 20 years ago is another weekend in America in 2019. Schools, churches, nightclubs, outdoor festivals, stores. Bodies fallen in the midst of everyday activities; blood splattered in formerly safe spaces. Do any safe spaces remain?
Why do I like to picture myself as tall and why do I perceive that as “better”? What part of my personality reflects a tall image? Perhaps it’s about the clothes (yes). Perhaps it’s about the sense of self I perceive tall women possessing - presence, confidence, authority.
Sometimes I rail against the unfairness of it. Why me? Yet the question remains unanswered, the feeling, unproductive. My choice is to carve some meaning out of what is too far past to change.
Fifty is not such a big number, at least when talking about dollars or books or even sit-ups. But in terms of years in a lifetime, it takes on greater significance.