Karen Holthouser:  

Hello to all my school mates! I am still around! I can't believe how time has flown since we were all in school. This year I turned 50, so what? So what? 50 is a big deal, a significant birthday, a half a century! 20, 21, 30, 40...at each of these birthdays I did some moping around and not much soul searching. I thought turning 50 was going to be a devastating blow, for whatever reason, but I can honestly say that I've had no sudden realization that it's time to rework my life, to 'retake control' or make 'improvements'. I mean, sure, there are things in my life that need improvements and definite "rework" that could be used (and I'm working on it), but isn't that an ongoing process throughout one's entire life? In my 40's I lived by certain 'quotes', and while I will continue to encompass those, (ie: 'Carpe diem', 'Just do it') a few are added to my list, such as 'You're only as old as you feel', and 'With age, comes wisdom'. To get back to what you want to know, my life has been a hodgepodge of many different events. I was married over 20 years to a police officer and more recently been married for 8 years to a wonderful man and between us we have 7 kids and 4 grandkids. Lots of kids but two are biologically mine. My son is 30 this year and is in process of joining the Army. Scary because I know where he will end up. My daughter works at Poudre Valley Hospital and is married to a police officer. Family is extremely important as they are the backbone for everything you do in life. Most of all I've learned to relish my family, my mom and dad and siblings. Those people are invaluable. You need to appreciate them every day as you never know when it will be their last (or mine). Ok, I have been around the block, but most importantly what did I learn? I've learned to accept the fact that I am worthy of significant relationships in my life and I don't have to click to "self destruct" mode when things get intense. I've learned that just because two people love each other, does not mean they should be together. I've learned that trust is one of the most significant aspects of any relationship. And to lose it, usually means losing the relationship. I've learned how to compromise without compromising myself in order to make life easier or happier for other people. I've learned that I don't have to be perfect. As long as I am healthy that shows through and defines me more than anything. I've learned that I am capable of independence. Recently, I got in touch with my high school sweetheart and it really made me reflect. I acknowledge how young and immature I was and how easy it is to hurt someone. I've learned that it is okay to 'grow out' of a relationship, whether it be love, friendship or business related. I've learned that people you love will hurt you. You need to make peace with it, and move on. I've ...Expand for more