Yes, today is the first of May. I can remember back when I was a little girl, doing the Maypole Dance at school as a spring celebration. I always have associated May Day with that memory. Lots of different cultures observed the first day of May as a holiday, usually celebrating springtime fertility of the soil, livestock, and people. Later in my life, when I was watching one of the many movies about World War II, I learned that May Day was also a term used as an international signal of distress. This meaning of MayDay is derived from French “venez m’aider”, meaning “come help me“.
I find it to be quite interesting that the same term can be used both as the name of a celebration and as a call for help.It seems like an appropriate way for me to describe where I am at this point in my life. Ever since my surgery last year, I have in some way or another been celebrating the fact that I still have my life, at the same time calling for some way to help me get over my depression and pain.
My birthday is this month. Last year on New Years Day I was distressed over the fact that I would be turning 60. It was something that really bothered me. Then, when I went in the hospital and was unconscious and nearly died on my birthday, I woke up with a different attitude about birthdays and getting older: It beats the alternative by a longshot.
So, for the month of May, starting tomorrow, I am going to attempt to write something each day about a reason I have to celebrate my life. And y’all can help me get to the end of the month by commenting, reading each day, and helping me celebrate the little things.
Sandy says
May 1, 2013 at 8:42 pmSometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I try and say to myself, “It could always be worse!” No sooner said, do I see or hear about something much worse than my own problems/ailments. More times than not, it doesn’t make me feel better for long…but sometimes you have to grasp and hang on for dear life for every crumb (those little things you refered too) thrown your way. Comfort can come just knowing that someone cares…hopefully you never doubt that! I am sure you have well wishes all over the globe! N.C. for sure =o)
Gaelyn says
May 2, 2013 at 12:04 amWhen I was a little girl my BFF & I would make colorful paper baskets and fill them with flowers then leave them on the neighbors door. Keep sharing the good times. Big Hug!