Birthday Reflections
40 years ago, on December 31st 1978, I became the luckiest little girl in the world.
I was born into a family whose love and support would only continue to grow over the years. I knew immediately that I was wanted - and had been the hopes and dreams of my parents for almost five years. When I was born on my actual due date, I feel like the whole world accepted the reality that was to be. Alicia Nichole Noerr, fierce, dedicated, determined to prove so many things to so many people.
The little girl who only answered to Jorge for much of her life.
The little girl who played endlessly in her white Sunday dress - and returned home spotless.
The little girl who couldn't sit still and ended up loving gymnastics and dance for years.
The little girl who struggled with math and science but loved her teachers nonetheless.
The little girl who had a love of learning - and winning.
The young lady who entered a beauty pageant in hopes of securing a college scholarship.
The young lady who played volleyball and high-jumped for health and friendships.
The young lady who traveled to Norway, Scotland, and Wales a few weeks before high school graduation, and almost failed Calculus, but walked across the stage to collect her diploma.
The young lady who graduated as class president, hoping to leave a positive and lasting impression on her classmates.
The daughter who tried to be a "good child" but still made plenty of mistakes.
The daughter whose parents came to every game and recital, cheering for hours on end.
The daughter whose parents loved unconditionally.
The daughter who learned that mom and dad will always be there to pick her up after a fall.
The daughter who learned to be kind and patient from watching her parents be kind and patient.
The daughter who saw love in action, and grew up wanting to find someone to love that way, too.
The daughter whose parents have always worked hard to provide amazing experiences to celebrate small moments and major accomplishments.
The daughter who has the most thoughtful and generous parents a girl could ask for.
The sister who hated watching her brother's soccer games but relished the years of his wrestling matches.
The sister who laughed endlessly while serving as her brother's wrestling practice dummy.
The sister who secretly admired the ease with which her brother made friends and fit in to every group he became a part of.
The sister who grew up knowing how lucky she was to have a friend like her brother.
The sister who was grateful that her brother attended the same college so they could have just a bit more time together before moving into adulthood.
The college student who worked hard to learn how to learn the right way.
The college student who didn't visit home as much as she should have.
The college student who found a passion for people amidst the business and psychology classes that consumed her days.
The college student who realized that one's plans in life are often only part of the long-term equation, and that flexibility is a very important piece of success.
The working woman who did her best at every task she was given but never felt it was enough.
The working woman who realized that Human Resources was not the perfect career for her.
The working woman who took a chance with a new position and found her passion.
The working woman who met her best friend because of that chance.
The working woman who learned that love comes at the most unexpected times.
The working woman who celebrated a marriage and new baby with friends at that company, together with her amazing husband.
The professor who is driven by a passion to see her students succeed and grow.
The professor who is supported by her husband, son, parents, and family.
The professor who appreciates having a career that fills her soul.
The professor who is still fierce, dedicated, and determined to prove so many things - to herself and to the world.
The professor who just earned tenure and plans to continue working hard to show that it was not granted in vain.
The professor who still craves more...
The student who is pursuing "more" by finishing her doctorate in educational leadership.
The student who is energized by studying about the intricacies of business, education, and psychology as they apply to the classroom.
The student who is supported by her husband, son, parents, family, colleagues, and professors.
The student who is growing in her abilities to learn and understand the implications of her career and her parenting to the bigger picture.
The mother who is amazed by her healthy, happy, remarkable son every day.
The mother who fought through postpartum depression nine years ago and thankfully still sees the joy of parenting in a new light.
The mother who questions her decisions almost daily but is reassured and/or redirected easily by sharing these questions with her amazing partner in life.
The mother who sees how hopes and dreams truly are fulfilled when one becomes a parent.
The wife who has learned that love is pure when it is shared with the right partner.
The wife who has learned that apologizing sincerely is important.
The wife who sees the value in humility, honesty, and friendship - from both partners.
The wife whose husband does everything with purpose, thoughtfulness, and generosity... from proposing marriage to buying a new car, from renovating a bathroom to planning a family vacation, from suggesting a concert to buying gifts for people, from helping his parents to providing for his own family...
Forty years seems like a long time, but it really has gone by so quickly. There are many reflections I have in my heart, and so much more I want to share with you, but recounting every memory, mistake, joy, and thought running through my head is not the best use of anyone's time. :) By taking a few minutes to read through my blog, you have helped me to celebrate this milestone birthday. I thank you, and I wish you a Happy New Year!
~Cheers to 2019
I was born into a family whose love and support would only continue to grow over the years. I knew immediately that I was wanted - and had been the hopes and dreams of my parents for almost five years. When I was born on my actual due date, I feel like the whole world accepted the reality that was to be. Alicia Nichole Noerr, fierce, dedicated, determined to prove so many things to so many people.
The little girl who only answered to Jorge for much of her life.
The little girl who played endlessly in her white Sunday dress - and returned home spotless.
The little girl who couldn't sit still and ended up loving gymnastics and dance for years.
The little girl who struggled with math and science but loved her teachers nonetheless.
The little girl who had a love of learning - and winning.
The young lady who entered a beauty pageant in hopes of securing a college scholarship.
The young lady who played volleyball and high-jumped for health and friendships.
The young lady who traveled to Norway, Scotland, and Wales a few weeks before high school graduation, and almost failed Calculus, but walked across the stage to collect her diploma.
The young lady who graduated as class president, hoping to leave a positive and lasting impression on her classmates.
The daughter who tried to be a "good child" but still made plenty of mistakes.
The daughter whose parents came to every game and recital, cheering for hours on end.
The daughter whose parents loved unconditionally.
The daughter who learned that mom and dad will always be there to pick her up after a fall.
The daughter who learned to be kind and patient from watching her parents be kind and patient.
The daughter who saw love in action, and grew up wanting to find someone to love that way, too.
The daughter whose parents have always worked hard to provide amazing experiences to celebrate small moments and major accomplishments.
The daughter who has the most thoughtful and generous parents a girl could ask for.
The sister who hated watching her brother's soccer games but relished the years of his wrestling matches.
The sister who laughed endlessly while serving as her brother's wrestling practice dummy.
The sister who secretly admired the ease with which her brother made friends and fit in to every group he became a part of.
The sister who grew up knowing how lucky she was to have a friend like her brother.
The sister who was grateful that her brother attended the same college so they could have just a bit more time together before moving into adulthood.
The college student who worked hard to learn how to learn the right way.
The college student who didn't visit home as much as she should have.
The college student who found a passion for people amidst the business and psychology classes that consumed her days.
The college student who realized that one's plans in life are often only part of the long-term equation, and that flexibility is a very important piece of success.
The working woman who did her best at every task she was given but never felt it was enough.
The working woman who realized that Human Resources was not the perfect career for her.
The working woman who took a chance with a new position and found her passion.
The working woman who met her best friend because of that chance.
The working woman who learned that love comes at the most unexpected times.
The working woman who celebrated a marriage and new baby with friends at that company, together with her amazing husband.
The professor who is driven by a passion to see her students succeed and grow.
The professor who is supported by her husband, son, parents, and family.
The professor who appreciates having a career that fills her soul.
The professor who is still fierce, dedicated, and determined to prove so many things - to herself and to the world.
The professor who just earned tenure and plans to continue working hard to show that it was not granted in vain.
The professor who still craves more...
The student who is pursuing "more" by finishing her doctorate in educational leadership.
The student who is energized by studying about the intricacies of business, education, and psychology as they apply to the classroom.
The student who is supported by her husband, son, parents, family, colleagues, and professors.
The student who is growing in her abilities to learn and understand the implications of her career and her parenting to the bigger picture.
The mother who is amazed by her healthy, happy, remarkable son every day.
The mother who fought through postpartum depression nine years ago and thankfully still sees the joy of parenting in a new light.
The mother who questions her decisions almost daily but is reassured and/or redirected easily by sharing these questions with her amazing partner in life.
The mother who sees how hopes and dreams truly are fulfilled when one becomes a parent.
The wife who has learned that love is pure when it is shared with the right partner.
The wife who has learned that apologizing sincerely is important.
The wife who sees the value in humility, honesty, and friendship - from both partners.
The wife whose husband does everything with purpose, thoughtfulness, and generosity... from proposing marriage to buying a new car, from renovating a bathroom to planning a family vacation, from suggesting a concert to buying gifts for people, from helping his parents to providing for his own family...
Forty years seems like a long time, but it really has gone by so quickly. There are many reflections I have in my heart, and so much more I want to share with you, but recounting every memory, mistake, joy, and thought running through my head is not the best use of anyone's time. :) By taking a few minutes to read through my blog, you have helped me to celebrate this milestone birthday. I thank you, and I wish you a Happy New Year!
~Cheers to 2019
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