Is 50 just a number? Happy Birthday to my Sister -Catherine Maino
It is an oddity that the human mind gravitates to all moments except the here and now. We seem to always be thinking ahead or in the past. It takes mental discipline and rehearsal to train our brains. ”Remain in today, not tomorrow.”
When age is mentioned in a conversation my response has been to say “I’m almost 50″. Most certainly for the past 6 months at least. Let the record show that I am 48. Maybe my psyche is somehow preparing my grey matter for the change? Since many of my friends and acquaintances are 50+ maybe I feel more of a fellowship? Maybe I just want people to think I look damn good for “almost 50″? Whatever the reason, the number has become less of an abyss. Maybe the final purpose is to hammer into my reality that Debbie my older sister is on the doorstep of this life change.
Debra, aka: Debbie…. My sister and I are only 18 months apart in age. In our youth the age difference seemed a wide canyon. Today it feels as though we’ve walked side by side forever. Debbie and I share so much of life’s journey with commonality. We shared a bedroom most of our childhood and teens. We were in high school together as fellow Titans. She was the first one who told me what french kissing was…and explained the process. We both played instruments in the marching band. I sought her counsel when I became sexually active desiring birth control pills. We shared music, clothes, driving lessons, secret parties that weren’t so secret, friends and only once….a boyfriend. Once uncovered, we both quickly kicked that guy to the curb! Though moments in our past may have impressed segregation, I always felt her presence….knew she was always there. Today she turns 50. So to my sister and friend, a few thoughts.
You have been such a force in my life. I don’t know if you truly comprehend the impact you’ve had. My sister, my mentor, my confidant, my healer, my doctor, my comforter, my straight-jacket, my true friend and yes at times, my Mom
I’ve looked up to you since I could focus my young eyes. There have been times we’ve crawled through some rocky landscapes to find our way back to one another. In that, our bond is ever stronger. On this most auspicious occasion, I want you know what a difference you’ve made in my life. How truly valuable our relationship is to me. And the depth of love I have for you. You have always been there for me and in turn, for my girls. Make this day one of peace and enjoyment. You are one of my stable rocks on which I build my life daily.
Happy Birthday Debra (Maino) Bradley! For 50 is only a number. One I have been so blessed to share with you…as we venture the next 50 side by side!





