Finding Happiness in the NOW

Fall on Elizabeth Avenue can be spectacular. Although this feels like our family home, we didn't buy it until I was in college so I didn't grow up here. I always say I wish I had, but living here would have probably made me a different person and pushed me to different paths. I'm happy where I am, and the path my life has taken. I always say that just one thing can change the whole course and direction of life.

There's no doubt that birthdays, anniversaries and reunions rev up the wonderment at the happenings and passings of our lives. It's natural to get into that mode of: "I wonder what would have happened if, where would I be today if...?" So here are a few of mine to share: Where would I be today if:

I had grown up on Elizabeth Avenue-not Kappel Drive; one of my boyfriends in college hadn't been killed in a motorcycle accident; I had stayed in St. Louis and worked after UMSL instead of going to TUSSW in New Orleans; I had married my first boyfriend; I had said no to my Paris love when he walked up to me on the street and asked if I had time for a little conversation; Vera hadn't died before I arrived for our visit in Paris; I hadn't met Wendy; I hadn't bought the Chatette; and, there had been no Hurricane Katrina?

I know it's just all mental gymnastics. It can be fun to play from time to time, but the bottom line is all we have is NOW...this very moment. I love the stories, but I don't want to go back. As my class from McCluer High School celebrates our 40 year reunion tonight, I will be there in spirit...grateful for the moments shared, the lessons learned, and everything I took away from there that made me the person I am NOW.

Comments

[Laury Bourgeois]

Ah Lona, it doesn't sound like a regret to me...sounds like a memory of something wonderful that stays wonderful! We have a lot to talk about...Looking forward to seeing you when I'm back in the states! Love, Laury

[Lona Waldon]

I think the approaching class reunions make us all have those moments of "what if". The road less traveled is always the one we will forever wonder what would have been at the end of it. I only regret one thing: that the love of my life showed up too soon and we were just "too young" for anything other than what we shared together. But that leaves you with a neverending sense of "what if" and "if only".....and an endless supply of beautiful memories.