In addition to Sunday being Mothers Day, I will be celebrating my 75 birthday. It’s sort of anticlimactic since Ann turned 75 this past February. I kind of wished she would have experienced some sort of miraculous transformation that would have given me some high expectations for my birthday. But, alas, she awoke to 75 the same beautiful and loving person she was when 74. My best hope is that I will wake up Monday morning. (Lol)
So, what is special about being 75 years old?
- First of all it means that I have exceeded my life expectancy of 68 at the time I was born in 1942.
- I learned today that US males that reach 75, on average, have a life expectancy of 86.8 years. Good news since I’ve always consider myself above average.
- It means there is a good possibly that I will live to see all our grandchildren into adulthood. (Neyland and Turner may need to accelerate the maturation process a bit.)
- 75 seems to hold some special significance as an age milestone, much like 65, 50 and 40. I am prepared to accept all the rights and privileges (?) accorded my standing as a Diamond Jubilee celebrant.
- Being 75 brings a tightened sense of mortality. This a good thing. When you view life and events through a lens sharpened by an awareness of your mortality, it brings a greater appreciation for experiences, relationships and the ordinary ebb and flow of daily life that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
- Because of a cultural expectation that aging brings profound wisdom and insight, I can speak and act as if I possess those qualities whether I do or not. It is, however, a bit of a challenge to assume a wise looking countenance and speak in a deep and measured voice.
- Having a 75 year old wife. Her life expectancy, not to mention her love, is a comfort.
- Children and grandchildren.
What is not so special about being 75?
- Knee replacement
- Myriads of medications
- Sleeping with a C-pap
- Strokes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hearing loss
- Unwelcome visits of Uncle Ed
- Cataracts
- For a more complete list, watch the medication ads on TV for one day.
So, what is the very best thing about being 75… that I am!
