Friday is my birthday. 68 trips around the sun! Yay me! I’m not sure that I’ve done anything special to make it to 68. I’ve never smoked. Maybe that’s it. I’m of the reflective sort. I’ve been doing some life reflection as 68 approaches.
About my past. I’ve had a great life so far. I grew up in a small town, Slatington, that left me with wonderful memories. It gave me the idea of what a good childhood can be. I am partly who I am because of my home town. I grew up in a wonderful time. My high school years were the Sixties, a time of change and optimism. I think that is why I love change and tend to be an optimist! I always liked school, the social part and the learning part. I’ve had wonderful opportunities in my educational career. Slatington High School Class of 1970. 121 classmates. I loved it all and still chat with many of them. Our 50th reunion is in October. Unbelievable! I graduated from Muhlenberg College ( BA) and Chestnut Hill College (MS). Thank you Pfizer. Tuition reimbursement is a wonderful thing. The only class I had to pay for is Accounting 2. They didn’t pay for a D! I’ve had an exciting career filled with many jobs of all kinds. I’m not going to list all the jobs I’ve had. It would be too long. I’ve liked most of my jobs. I’ve loved a few. One I hated was concrete construction. I lasted one day! I feel blessed that in one job I got to travel all over this country and all over the world. Seeing all these different places and talking with everyday citizens across the globe, made me much more accepting of the differences in people. Last, but not least, I’ve had the opportunity to help raise three wonderful children. Amy, Andy, and Emma. I’ve tried to teach what I’ve learned about life to all of them. If Emma hears me say “everything has a lifespan” one more time, she may revolt!
My past, in spite of everything written above, was not perfect. I lost my mom when I was 15 and my dad when I was 31. I lost my daughter, Amy, when she was 17. I’ve survived two cancers. But on balance, a pretty great life.
About my present. I’m relatively healthy. I still hike nearly daily. I haven’t run in a while but I may start up again. I work two days a week. I like what I do for a living. I read a lot! I live alone. It has its ups and downs. I like not having to compromise! I have good relationships with my children and my siblings and even my ex-wives. I don’t have much to complain about. Well, I really need a haircut!
About my future. Like I tell my older clients, you have to keep your body moving and your mind working! I expect my future to be good, and hopefully long. Like Rod Stewart sang, Forever Young. Like Fleetwood Mac sang, Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow. Like the Beatles sang, Tomorrow Never Knows. I have stacks of books to read. I have many miles to hike. I have so many things to learn, and experience. Who knows, even love may be in my future. Be still my heart! All in all, it’s all good.
Thanks for indulging my introspection. I promise I won’t do that again until about this time next year! One last thing, May babies are still the best.
A Semi-retired Kind of Life 