Embrace the Chaos: Life Doesn’t Come With Guarantees

I know we've been having a lot of laughs about my chaotic life, from skydiving despite being afraid of heights to living in a trailer circus with my younger boyfriend, his kids, and a snoring bulldog. But there's a bit of a deeper reason behind my 'embrace the chaos' philosophy. You see, my mom passed away at 55, and my dad was only 56 when he left us, too. Way too young. It's a stark reminder that life doesn't come with guarantees.

my favorite picture of my dad and me circa ~1974-75

Losing them so early really hammered home the message: life is short, sometimes shorter than we ever anticipate. It's partially why I've thrown myself into life with such gusto, why I'm skydiving despite my better judgment, why I've embraced becoming a bonus mom with all its trials and joys, and why I find myself ordering ridiculous things on Amazon at 2 AM. Because at the end of the day, I want to make sure I've lived. Really lived.

me & my mom circa ~1980ish

I've taken this as a license to make the most out of every moment, to fill my days with laughter, love, and yes, a healthy dose of chaos. It's why I can joke about the madness of menopause or the adventures of being a first-time bonus mom in my fifties. Because each laugh, each crazy moment, is a testament to living life to its fullest, a tribute to my parents who didn't get the chance to see as many tomorrows as they should have.

So, in a way, all these jokes, all this laughter, it's not just about making light of my life's craziness. It's about celebrating it. Embracing the joy, the unpredictability, and the sheer beauty of being alive. My mom and dad taught me many things, but the most important lesson was to cherish every day. Because you never know how many days you've got left.

So, let's keep the laughter going, not just because it's fun, but because it's a way of honoring those we've lost, a way of saying 'I'm here, I'm alive, and I'm going to make the most of it.' And trust me, if you ever find yourself wondering whether to take that leap, whether it's literal skydiving or metaphorically diving into new experiences, do it. The memories, the stories, and yes, even the occasional epic fails, are what make life so incredibly vibrant.

My 51st birthday celebration with my boyfriend Rick, best friend Shannon and our friend Bobby

Thank you for reading my blog and for being a part of my adventure. Here's to living life to the fullest, one laugh at a time.

Ever found laughter and joy in the face of life's challenges, or taken a leap of faith to truly embrace every moment? Share your stories of how you've chosen to live life fully, honoring the lessons of those we've lost by making the most of our time here. It's about the memories, the adventures, and even the fails that make our lives vibrant and full. Let’s inspire each other to cherish every day and find the humor and beauty in the chaos.

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