On Turning 60

I woke up this morning and discovered I had become 60. I checked--and lawdy--all my appendages were still working as they did back yesterday when I was only in my 50s. I looked at my wife and she was still beautiful, the view into my garden a source of peace, the pets at our feet still trusting in my ability to shelter and feed them. I got up and looked in the mirror. No new wrinkles, no additional gray hair.

Then, I had this flash of brilliance. Rushing to my blogsite, I would communicate the wisdom of my 60 years to those younger than me, to those who would follow down this path. I could tell them in a single concise paragraph what I had learned about the lessons of living and of life.

Then, I decided, screw it, let everybody figure it out for themselves. That is what life's about.

Comments

[Russ]

Happy Birthday Shel! I would never have guessed. I guess that means you can start using the adjective "spritely"... ;-)

Have a great day!
-Russ

[shel]

EH?? Could you please use larger font in addressing me, sonny boy? Thanks for the good wishes, Russ.

[Ernie]

Sorry I missed this post until now. Happy belated birthday, amigo!

[Ivan]

Maybe that's REALLY it -- the one lesson about life: "Screw it, let everybody figure it out for themselves." Maybe most people wouldn't care even if you'd told them.
That's a classic quote. A belated happy birthday, Shel.

[shel]

Ah grasshopper. You understand!

[Valerie]

Happy belated birthday Shel. You look great. I arrived at this site by typing "Turning 60". My 60th birthday is on January 7th 2005 and I wasn't feeling too happy about it. I went to my local library looking for books on the subject. I did find some but it was difficult. However on searching the internet I found lots of good stuff. You sound very positive about turning 60 and that's what I need to hear. Thanks.

[DONNA]

I just turned sixty, and feel all the aches and pains also. But guess what, I have just started life over, I have two baby's to bring up. 5 and 6
year olds. SOME OF US HAVE NOT GOT THE GIFT OF LIFE OTHERS HAVE. I can give so many stories of lessons learned and influences in my life, but i have no time. my cards were delt differently.
I GUESS I FEEL UPSET, AND JEALOUS, THAT I CAN'T JUST BE A GRANDMOTHER. I MUST BE A MOTHER AGAIN.
THE ONLY HAPPINESS IS, I LOVE MY GRANDBABY'S MORE
THAN LIFE.

[judy]

So, Shel, like so many others I googled "turning 60" and there was your posting. I turn 60 in a few days. You've been 60 for almost a year now . . . anything to add to those of us just approaching the milestone? My life is great but there is something about this turning 60 business that has me overwrought! I have a feeling I'll get over it the day after I turn 60 'cuz it'll be so much like any other day.

Judy

[shel Israel]

Only a small observation: Just when you get used to being 60, you will discover its time for your 61st birthday.

[Carmela Kinslow]

I decided that on my 60th birthday I am going to send a card to special friends that have blessed my life. I want to personalize it my writing something I remember about them--maybe when we first met or why I think their friendship means so much to me--a characteristic of theirs that has blessed my life. Yes, there were times when I may not have appreciated them as much--even may have gotten mad at them, but this is what life iks all about....sharing the good times and the bad. Lifeis good even at 60!

[Cheryl]

Hey, nothing sad about turning 60, after all we've earned it! It just makes us better people and life more enjoyable from here on out!
Cheryl

[Andrew]

I turn 60 today (14th May 2007). And I told my wife this morning that this is easily my BEST birthday ever. I am happy. I have lived well. Maybe I could have done more in terms of accomplishment. But I am satisfied with what I have done and I am contented. I am bolder though more peaceful and this, somehow, is not a contradiction. I am afraid of less things and more free to be open and true to myself. I have less to hide and more to enjoy. God is good to me.