Another Birthday On The Horizon, No Big Deal – Brian’s Blog

Just a few observations as I face my 59th birthday on Thursday.

For some reason this Bible verse, Psalm 90:10, has been rolling around in my head lately.

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

 

Maybe I've been thinking about it because I'm going to hit the threescore mark next year.

I don't think about getting older that much. I'm not one to look back at my youth and long for "the good old days" because I believe that the best time in my life is in the present. I have a great job, a fantastic wife, five great kids, and many friends. I have, as George Carlin used to say, "stuff", but don't feel the need to keep acquiring "stuff".

I also have young children that will keep me young. My youngest is two, and I'll be 75 when he graduates from high school. That doesn't bother me because some of the most vibrant and active people I know are 75. I do worry a little bit about being able to provide at an older age, but I'll fall off of that bridge when I come to it.

Serious lifestyle and health choices that I've made in the last year give me a better chance of living a longer life, although cancer runs in my family. The  "Big C"  took my mother at age 49 and my father at 70. It was a big deal to me when I turned 50, and 70 will be here sooner than I think. Also, since I've seriously restricted myself on what I eat and drink, big birthday dinners and beverages are out now.

One more birthday thought. I drive by the hospital where I was born nearly every day. I think that's kind of cool. it's also the hospital where my mother passed away. Not so cool. I don't want to repeat that occurrence when it's my time.

There is one thing about getting older that does bug me. When I was a child, I would get birthday cards, usually with a dollar bill tucked inside. At my age, there's no one left to send me money for my birthday.

Get the hint?