Only Took 60 Years

Only Took 60 Years by Pete Braley

I’m turning 60 tomorrow and I’ll admit it, it has been on my mind for a few weeks. I think anyone who tells you they don’t think about it is just lying.

I can remember a time back in my childhood when I thought thirty was wicked old. Then as I got closer to thirty my focus shifted to forty, then fifty. Now that sixty is on the doorstep I find myself pausing… thinking… wow! When did that happen? 

I’m not really sad that I’m 60 and no I don’t think life is over, there’s still much to do plus I have plenty of things left to frustrate my kids with. It’s, like I said, a “Wow!” moment.  It’s a good time to take stock and look at all the blessings I’ve had.

So much has happened over these sixty years. I’m sure it’s the same with you. I’ve had my share of upsets, sadness and loss, but I have also had some amazing adventures. I’ve met some wonderful people, raised four of my own that I think came out all right and learned so many things in my time on this planet.

Oh by no means do I think I’m anywhere near done it’s just a benchmark birthday to stop and think about.

One of the problems with writing a lot or telling stories for years is that I can’t always remember if I’ve already told you something or not. I may have told you before that I don’t feel my age. Well the body does but not the mind. When I think back to my mom or my uncles and aunts I should probably be acting more mature by now, but then I think, “Why bother? Immaturity has gotten me this far.” Plus I think I would just be trying to be something I’m not. Maybe my way of looking at things keeps me young.

I have learned much over these sixty years and I find myself in a pretty good place. I can definitely relate to that phrase, “If I knew then what I know now.” Looking back, I could have saved myself many lessons to be learned along the way. Some were difficult too. I’m finally at peace with myself over a number of issues that I struggled with when I was younger. I struggled with some of them just because of my own stubbornness but I guess that’s the way it’s supposed to go. Hey if it was easy everyone would do it, right?

I do stop and shake my head sometimes at the fact that it only took sixty years to be comfortable in my own skin. Let’s see where we go from here.

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