I recently turned Medicare age, and I’m not shy about the numbers. In fact, I’m happy to be alive! As chaos runs rampant around the world, I need to focus on the good. So, I’m lucky to have a wonderful man in my life – my best friend, my rock and voice of reason after thirty-seven years of marriage. I miss my amazing son and daughter more as I get older, but I’m beyond proud of them for spreading their wings and pursuing their dreams. However, my wish is that someday, geography won’t interfere with Sunday dinners, meeting for coffee or lunch, or simply popping in – them popping in on us, of course – we’d never pop in on our children. Smile. I miss my sisters and their families, but all this ‘missing’ is satisfied with visits and technology. I miss loved ones who have passed, and Copper and canine family members who came before him. The health hiccups I had in the past are manageable in the present – a blessing! I’m grateful for mobility. It sounds mundane, doesn’t it? But if it’s taken away, it’s life altering. I revel in each new sunrise and sunset, rebirth in spring, cleansing in winter, coziness in autumn. I marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge with each crossing and adore every visit with the redwoods. ‘Tomorrow’ isn’t a given. When I turn on the news, I’m reminded that each day is a gift that deserves to be lived. So, Live It!!!
And I hope all the March babies out there had a wonderful celebration like I did! The candles were lit, the fire extinguisher sat nearby on high alert! 🙂 And I enjoyed that slice of carrot cake!

I’m not sharing these thoughts for selfish reasons but to inspire you to live your life to the fullest!
Those numbers are simply numbers. 🎂

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I leave you with a recent (draft of a) poem that came to mind when hubby and I sat on our patio enjoying a warm, spring evening.

The Dove

We watch her hop
to the top oak branch –
it bends but doesn’t break
beneath her weight.
Our naked eyes, grateful
for a better angle
to see her silvery body
and witness her tiny beak
move from left to right
as she sings, Coo, Coo,
from her bird’s eye view –
does she notice us –
our admiration of her
plain as can be?
Our existence,
minimal in this magical moment –
how amazing she must feel
to sit on top of the world.

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Enjoy the magic of nature!
I know I’m not around as much, but I miss you all!
When life presents other plans, we must dive in
with courage and wonder. ❤️

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a recent recipient of the Publication of the Year (Poetic) Award. Lauren is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.