The big 3-5! |

It’s Official!
I’m 35!

35 has ALWAYS been my “scary” year. There’s just something about “35” that makes you feel all grown up. And while I’m definitely not in a place I thought I would be as I enter my 35th year of life, it turns out that where I am now is so much better than I could ever have imagined. I’m happy, healthy, strong, educated and loved. What more could I possibly ask for?

And although I would have never, in a billion years pictured myself as a 35 year old without a mother, this experience has really changed me; both mentally and emotionally. Grieving and surviving the loss of my mother has been something that has come to build the person that I am today.

I have learned to appreciate every, single moment and enjoy the present.

I have come to understand the importance of making myself a priority (my health, my well-being, my sanity, my happiness), and that understanding that importance does not make me selfish. It makes me feel worthy.

I have learned to make time for relationships that are special and where both parties give 100%.

I have learned what it feels like to give back. I’ve been able to do things that make others feel wanted, important, loved and needed through #TeamJudy’s charitable events.

I have realized when it’s time to walk away, move on, and let it go. The past is the past, and I don’t live there.

And above all, I have experienced and understood what it means to love and be loved unconditionally. Because Brian has also experienced the loss of a parent, we share a special bond that is difficult to put into words, but something I would not have experienced if I had not gone through all of these challenging moments.

I miss my mother terribly. Not a moment goes by that she doesn’t cross my mind. And although I wish she were here to celebrate with me, I know that what’s most important is that I continue to live on, far past 35, experiencing all that life has to offer each and every day.

And that’s what I intend to do.

To kick off our 3rd anniversary weekend, and the big 3-5 (they’re back to back!), we jumped on a plane and headed for a week of adventure. Our trip started in Delaware, where we spent time visiting B’s grandmother. Then we drove up to Philadelphia, where we caught a Phillie’s game, and took in all the sights of the City of Brotherly Love. Then wrapped up our week in beautiful Washington D.C., where we were oh-so-lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the First Family as they dined out on Friday evening at BLTSteak. It was definitely a memorable trip! Here are a few of my favorite moments.