This week we ask you to post a photo of a milestone you have chosen to celebrate in a new and exciting way. Because this is my week to blog, I wanted to make sure I understood the word “milestone” before addressing it in more detail. Thus, I grabbed my dictionary. The first definition made plenty of sense; a milestone is a stone set up beside a road to mark the distance in miles to a particular place. Nonetheless, I knew we were not looking forward to multiple photos of stones along roadsides. The second definition was much more to my liking and provides unlimited potential for photos of distinction. A milestone is an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development; a significant event, achievement or a watershed moment. It didn’t take long before I began reminiscing about some of my milestone celebrations. Here are some of the highlights.
My sixth grade graduation — After seven years in the same small school, I desperately wanted to make my mark; a statement of my unique identity. In my mind, the best solution was wearing purple Keds on my feet while dressed in my
fanciest attire. Of course, I had no funds or way to find purple shoes but I did have a grandma anxious to help. Much to the chagrin of my teacher and parents, my RIT-dyed lavender shoes carried me through graduation ceremonies on a sunny afternoon.
My wedding ceremony – As my fiancée and I headed toward the West Virginia wilderness in anticipation of our wedding ceremony and hungry for a snack, we spotted a farm market filled with gigantic juicy looking apples. 
After all it was fall and what better time to engage in apple consumption. Unfortunately one of my front teeth became so enamored with the apple I bit into, it decided to remove itself from my mouth and rest within the confines of the apple. Horrified by my new look, I broke into tears. In a desperate attempt to calm me, my fiancée turned the car around and headed 80 miles back toward a more populous area. Finding a dentist willing to provide emergency care late on Friday afternoon was no easy task but eventually we found a willing candidate. Armed with Superglue and a paper clip, Dr. Funderburk reinstalled my tooth temporarily and advised me to refrain from any strenuous kissing. I suppose that is why in all of my wedding photos my mouth is tightly shut!
My 50th year –– Of all of the ways I have celebrated milestones this activity brings the most joy to my heart. A few months before my 50th birthday, Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent floods disseminated the lives, hopes and dreams of many Louisiana and Mississippi residents. As I repeatedly listened to the media coverage, I knew I wanted to serve as a volunteer in the relief effort. In early September, I participated in three days of Red Cross sanctioned disaster training, received my certification and sent forth my application. Two weeks before my birthday, I was assigned to serve as a mental health crisis services member and flown to Biloxi, Mississippi. For me, there was no better way to welcome my next decade but to give back to others in such desperate need. 
What’s your watershed moment celebration look like? We look forward to seeing your posts.