How many times have you wondered, “Whatever happened to so-and-so?” Maybe it’s an old classmate or neighbor, a former love or colleague. It’s relatively easy to track someone down these days, many people do. While riding my spin bike the other day, “Midnight Blue” by Lou Gramm came into my earbuds from my Purchased playlist. I was transported to 1987, in my early 20s, single and mingling, behind the wheel of my 1984 Nissan Pulsar, windows down, sunroof open. I asked myself, “Whatever happened to that girl?”
We, of course, know what has taken place in our own life, no social media required. But it’s difficult to equate the younger version of ourselves with who we have become; time, as well as events, change us without us even realizing it. Then it’s 30 years later, you hear a song that takes you back to that period, but it feels like a movie you once saw.
So what did happen to me? I met, fell in love, then married a good man. I traveled for business and pleasure, visiting 35 states, over 20 countries in 3 continents. I had a successful career that I loved. I met, and fell in love with a handful of amazing women. I became a bird mom. Twice. I made mistakes. I did the right thing. I broke bones. I had injections and surgeries. I had money problems. I held my mom’s hand as she took her last breath. I kissed the forehead of my father-in-law after he died suddenly. I waited with my mother-in-law’s body for several hours until the Gift of Life came for her. I lied. I told the truth. I attended concerts, Broadway shows plus professional sporting events. I totaled a car, my Pulsar, in fact. I met a few celebrities along with my favorite authors. I read a few thousand books. I went up in a hot air balloon three times, once over Sedona. I swam with dolphins and stingray. I helicoptered over the Grand Canyon. I woke up blind. I rebuilt my life. I was brave. I was scared.
I know what happened to me. Do you know what happened to you?
#sisterrain #alittlesightalotofheart #legallyblindwriter #1984nissanpulsar #whateverhappenedto
