The absent Uncle: the merry-go-round keeps going 'round

As I write this column today, it is the birthday of my daughter – not as traumatic as last year for her, but another milestone for both of us. I still remember September 1973 very clearly. 

September brings a couple of birthdays; my editor here at the Brandon Valley Journal had hers (number of birthdays not revealed) and my daughter’s today. It was birthday number 51 for her.

Last year, she was so occupied with the significance of the “Big Five-O” and spiraling into becoming depressed over the event that I had to spring into action and try to tamp down the emotions of a life passed with no hope of a better future that she seemed to be feeling. 

The road has been a long and winding one for her. She has always been a social worker type. I helped her with getting a couple of her first jobs. First as a staff member at a day activity center working with adults with disabilities, and then later as a travel trainer showing that same population how to use public transportation to increase their mobilization skills to take care of themselves. She was an absolute natural at working with the folks assigned to her.

She continued her education and became a credentialed therapist working with a wide variety of clients all needing someone that would listen and work with them to improve their lives. 

A couple of years ago she moved to Oregon (where she always wanted to live) and has continued to work as a therapist and counselor. She does great work; is always in demand to do more; and last year, it all just came tumbling down on her that the problems of her past, present, and future clients are never-ending, and that overall, things really don’t change, just the names of the people you are dealing with. That Big Five-O really hit her hard. 

It took her some time to put things in perspective; but she survived. In our conversation earlier today, it was clear that 51 doesn’t pack the clout that 50 did for her.   

I might have to call her back up to discuss my 51 years since September 1973.