This week, mommy turned 50 years old. I know that big number does disturb some people, but I took it in stride. I’m happy to have made it to 50 years of good living. It’s not always been easy, but I do feel truly blessed with my life.

Yesterday, we went to pick up meat at a local, organic farmer. It brought so many memories back from my youth. Good days, innocent days. Long, summer breaks spent at my Grandparents farm. The world was our oyster. I ran around everywhere with my brother. Down the long lane to the creek in the back fields. Riding tractors with my Grandpa. Coming in the house to the smell of hot dogs boiling and cut tomatoes filled with sugar. Late afternoons filled on the front porch, swinging, gentle winds blowing our hair.

Then there was my house. We were a house on the go, between sports and band. Sunday church followed by an incredible lunch afterward. Basketball tournaments, intense games and McDonald’s on the run. Sneaking into BHS games with Uncle Larry. Watching Uncle Dick with his ice cream on the holidays. Parents who taught me so much. I thank them for the base that they gave me. Never missing a game for both kids, not a small feat. Family vacations to California, Toronto, Nashville, too many to name, they gave me the love of travel.

College in Los Angeles. Growth, personal and educational. Great football games. Time with my brother. Bleeding cardinal and gold. The fight song, need I say more. The love of all things SC with my brother. Notre Dame in the fall with my family. The iconic Rose Bowl in all its glory.

Time back in Ohio after graduation. Learning the meaning of work. Friday, Pissanelos pizza. Seeing extended family, love of aunts, uncles and cousins.

To Philly for work. The amazing experiences the Commission has given me. Riding Amtrak on the Northeast Corridor, like a true professional, lol. Knowing DC and the surrounding area by heart. Working with outstanding people. Laughing with my friend Chris as we walk the Parkway. Figuring out fraud puzzles.

Meeting my husband. Starting a wonderful path with him. SC and Eagles football. Adopting Zachary. His family and the support that they have always given us. Traveling to some crazy fun areas, including Korea and Australia. Cheering on our son at baseball. Trojan, Mattie and Bella—and now Reese and JuJu Bear. Buying our dream, a shore house. Mac and Manco.

Then there are the friends. School friends from high school. Watching college friends grow in life. Mullica Hill Tri and Witches of East Greenwhich friends. Baseball and Braemore moms. Walking the park path with Harry early in the morning. Although I have lost a few, their memory goes on.

These are a small reflection of my life. How can you not feel blessed when you look back on all of these special individuals and moments. For me, each chapter of my life brings new experiences. So yes, I turned 50, but I feel like there is still so much more to explore. I’m just getting started.