There was a time when I thought 50 year old folks were old.
Dad turned 50 one month after I turned 10. Mom turned 50 when I was 25.
They both looked really old to me then.
My brother Bruce turned 50 a year and a half ago.
He didn't really look that old. He did look sick, but he was a very ill man at that juncture. He was fighting for his life.
For the record, his 50th birthday remains one of my favorite blogs.
Just look at the look on his face. He knew I was up to shenanigans. He groused, "Just take the damn picture!".
In his defense, he took the blog in stride.
His wife, Sis as we call her, liked the picture so much that she asked me to put it on the desktop computer at the beach house.
It's still there.
So today I'm 50.
I look old. Can't help that. My hair started going grey at 25. Then it started a heartfelt affair with my shower drain at 28.
What's left of it are, as Bruce liked to say, "the remnants of a once mighty nation.".
The thing is, I don't feel old.
Statistically I probably have around another 25 years left.
Or not.
Regardless, I refuse to become one of those folks who spend their later years waiting for, and dreading, the end.
It will get here soon enough.
Today I'm celebrating my birthday by:
- being grateful for having a wonderful family, great friends, and a beautiful fiancee
- writing this blog
- replacing a double light switch in Christine's bathroom
- washing some dishes
- driving to Mom and Dad's graves to thank them for the life they gave me
- doing some research for a stalled writing project
- maybe go out and have a celebratory glass of wine
- making a pot pie from either chicken or ham
- being grateful to do all of the above in relatively good health and in retirement.
Honestly, I don't think I could ask for more.
So I won't.
To my family, my friends, and Christine I say, "Thank you." for everything over the years.
It's been a great run so far. I can't wait to see how it's all going to turn out when I grow up.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
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2 comments:
Our brains are funny things. I have posted this on my Facebook profile: I'm shocked every time I look in the mirror because my brain still thinks I'm 25 and thin.
Ain't that the truth!!
I vote for a glass of wine and chicken potpie. :)
Thanks for the fun things you share about Bruce. I, too, have such funny memories! When we actually WERE young and thin. HA!!
Sweet, sweet, Mike, There's not much difference in 50 to 58 which I became on last Tues. I do not feel the change until I get up out of bed and have the stiff joints. I think growing older makes you appreciate the small things and know what it took to get where your at. In the 60's we were all hopped up and going to change the world for the better and then we actually had to work and feel the growing pains. I love my life and I know you do too. Happy Birthday, Mike, my great blog friend! I only want the best for you because you deserve it. I'm so glad you found Chris and I hope you find the joy of having her and many more years to come. When you write that book and I know you will, I want to be the FIRST in line to receive it. Lots of love and respect, Linda Wood
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