When I was growing up, I had a Mr. Rodgers in my life. No, not the Mister Rogers from Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, but a “real” person whose name was Mr. Lloyd Rodgers. I met him and his wife, Martha, when I was a teenager, and they became to me, my second set of parents. Their home was an open doorway of love, laughter, counsel, and much wisdom. Mr. Rodgers has passed away, but his wife and I are friends to this day.
Much of what Mr. Rodgers said are pearls I deeply value, but one time he told something I really didn’t want to hear—that during my lifetime I would have many different professions. My heart was set on being a musician, and in my mind I blocked anything that seemed to be a deterrent. What he said was seen as a definite distraction. But over the years, I have learned that he was right, and his counsel gave me freedom to be where I am today.
In my 20s, I worked in biology labs working with many incredibly brilliant people doing cancer research.
In my 30s, I taught music while raising my children.
In my 40s, I published a CD.
In my 50s, I wrote a children’s book.
And now, that I am in the doorway of turning 60, my hope is to continue to write. It is a passion and a delight that I didn’t know was within me and one I don’t think I would have found if I had not walked down those other paths.
I’m not saying to let go of your dreams, and if God opens a door, then walk through it with gusto! But what I am saying is that at every turn there is a new opportunity and a new adventure. It can be scary; but so are rollercoasters, and the excitement of the up and down can be so much fun.
My daughter wanted to know what it is like to start something new at the age of 60. It’s great and exciting, exhausting, and exuberating, but it is always about learning something new. You know the old adage—a picture is worth a thousand words—well, this photo of my daughter when she was about three years old, says it best.
My Daughter, Laura
