Living spontaneously at 87 means saying yes to the kind of moments that make you pause and say, “Wow” even when you don’t know what the moment will be like. Recently, I had the honor of celebrating my dear friend Ann’s 90th birthday—a woman who’s been part of my story since I was 19.
Ann and I met at Mount Vernon School of Nursing. After graduation, life took us in different directions, but fate had a funny way of looping us back together. Years later, she moved to Middletown where i was living, about 75 miles north of Mount Vernon and not only did our paths cross again, but our children ended up in the same high school. Her daughters and my kids Lance and Kelly became friends and shared many teenage memories. Small world? Absolutely.
We worked side by side at Family Care in Middletown for over a decade, building on the foundation we created in nursing school. Eventually, Ann moved outside of Albany, but we never lost touch. Last year, I did something that made me feel proud and empowered—I took the train from Poughkeepsie to Albany all by myself to visit her. It’s those things that seem simple when I was much younger that bring me the most pride today. That trip was more than a reunion; it was a celebration of independence, friendship, and the kind of bond that time only strengthens.
Ann is still active, vibrant, and yes—she still drives! I, on the other hand, have zero desire to get behind the wheel. But I’ll hop on a train or dance at a party any day.
Her birthday celebration was held at Silver Bay YMCA Camp on Lake George,( https://silverbay.org/) which was AMAZING. The history of the camp was shared with us by one of the camp guides that has worked there for over 40 years. Kelly came with me, and we soaked in the serenity and the laughter, and literally the water of Lake George when we did the boat tour! It was a weekend of reflection and joy, and it made me think: I’m not just looking forward to my own 90th birthday—I’m going to start planning it.
Because life doesn’t slow down at 80. If anything, it gets richer. And if you’re lucky, it brings you back to the people who helped shape your journey, reminding you that some connections are simply meant to last.
