Woke up the the realization that I’m 55 today. I still feel very young at heart, but there is no getting around the fact that I’m beyond middle aged and that is a little scary to me. I blinked and 20 + years went by. Seems like the older we get the faster time goes by. I mean I’ve been working (teaching) at the same college for 21 years and living in the same town (Morehead City, NC) for longer than I lived in New York. Its a weird feeling. I’ve experienced some incredibly wonderful times over the years as well as some difficult and sometimes heart wrenching times. Just like most people in this life. I’m not complaining. Things could have turned out a lot worse for me. Sure, I have some regrets – who doesn’t? I would have made some VERY different choices (decisions) if I had it to do over again, BUT with that said…wisdom is wasted on older people. Life can be a dangerous and difficult journey and we don’t always know where it’s going to lead us. Once we get there I am learning that it is all about ATTITUDE. I can choose to accept my situation in life or choose not to. A positive and accepting attitude makes the sojourn a little easier in my opinion.
I had a very vivid dream right before I woke up last night. I was with my childhood friends (in photo at left) Mike Smith and Kenny Hayes. It was so real and I reached out to them. Next thing I knew I was awake and they were gone. Mike died over 25 years ago. In fact…my 3 best friends growing up are dead (not Kenny though) and here I am at 55 still kicking, so I have a great deal to be thankful for. Even through there have been some bumps (big and small) along the way I’ve had (and still have) a good life, two great children, an challenging job that I love (for the most part) and supportive friends and family.
I don’t know if I have another 55 years ahead of me. Probably not. We’re not guaranteed anything in this life. I’m just extremely thankful for the blessings I have and look forward to the rest of the journey.
