40 anyone?

OK. So I am approaching a milestone - (at least in my world). This Sunday I will be turning 40 years young - uh, old. For most of my life, I have looked forward to my birthday. This year is really just seeming to to be another day in my life. (Or another day closer to my death if you wish to look at it that way.) I have wondered if in ancient times people gave a rip about their age. Did they really celebrate the seasonal day of their birth? If we look at it from a different perspective, according to our calendar, it is as if our life revolves in a circle with the same day recurring every 365 (366 on leap year) days. We do know that Abraham was 99 when he begat Isaac. (That act of procreation does give me some hope for when I am that age.) We wouldn't know his age if the ancients didn't keep track - so my mystery is now solved. Apparently, they did give a rip. I digress.

So, I guess I should be caring about my age. I am sure I will hear from my mother and maybe a sibling or two on that day. I may even get a "present" from my wife and kids. That will be nice, I suppose.

But - in my lineage on my father's side - the males don't have a lot to look forward to after their forties. My father had a triple bi-pass surgery when he turned 44. (Frankly, I don't have the time for it.) I am not absolutely certain, but I believe his father had some pretty serious surgeries in his forties as well. I have been hearing and receiving crap from just about all who "care" about me for a few years about how I need to start taking care of myself so that I don't go the way of my father and his father. We even shared a Dr. a few years back who said "I have seen your life's map". At what point do I get to chose my own destiny?

I am a happily married man with 4 great independent children. I enjoy my career - fickle though it may be. I have hobbies that keep me feeling young and virile! I get to go camping with my family. I get to ride my 4 wheeler when weather allows. I get to watch my favorite TV shows at my convenience due to DVR. I have read novels for the past year or so - keeping my mind engaged. In other words - I do not share the sedentary lifestyle of my father (rest his soul). I am not my father. Now would be a good time to mention that on my mother's side of the family many of her male relatives lived to be ripe old men! I am not a product of only one genetic strain. I am myself! I am my own body and spirit.

So. Having said all of this. I look forward to marking the beginning of my 5th decade by deciding right here and now to live life to the fullest that I can. To take reasonable measures to keep my health in check. But most importantly, to Live, Love and Learn each and every day - so that when the Reaper does come, I will have NO regrets!!!

My love to one and all if this happens to be my last day on earth alive.....