» On Turning 60.
By Vince on November 1, 2021
As I enter my 6th decade of life, I reflect on it…not really any different from every other birthday where I, and probably most of us, tend to do so.
This year is completely different tho, what with the Covid/scam going on almost two years now. I’ve lost more friends and family in the last two years than I can ever recall happening before. Oddly enough none to Covid-19.
I do realize this is one of the “hazards” of reaching this age as well: you outlive some your friends. Bob Schafer told me this would happen; he was around 94 at the time. Sadly, all too many of those gone ahead, died way too young. Troy Lane was 52. Manny “Mandingo” Figueroa was 38. Raquel Llera-Stern was 32. My old friend and sparring partner Spencer Dunstan as well. You will be missed, one and all, and I, for one, thank God that you were in my life.
This leads me to say that I am THANKFUL to ALL my friend and family for being in my life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without your love, influence, and friendship. I will even thank my enemies, tho I don’t feel I have any, but others might feel differently, for what they taught me.
One of the things that stands out the most right at this second, is family. Family includes friends and what many people would consider pets.
You cannot choose your blood relatives; you can choose friends. This choice makes them family. Many times, even more so than blood.
Pets come into your life and become family…and yes many times our personalities clash! Just like life, huh? The Catholic Church says “animals” have no soul. I disagree. All MY “pet’s” have a piece of MY soul. I cannot believe God would turn away such love as a pet both gives and receives. In fact, I refuse to believe it. My God would not do such a thing.
So right now, I want to say, BE with those you love. Spend time with them. All too soon your children will be spread out across the face of the planet. You won’t know if or when you will ever see them again.
Yes “technology keeps us in touch”, and I won’t deny it’s a pretty cool and useful thing…BUT…and it’s a big BUT…it can NEVER replace speaking to a loved one face to face, hugging that person, holding their hand…
There will come a time when your child will no longer want to hold your hand, because they are “big kids” or “adults” don’t do that.
My advice to everyone is:
Hold your child’s hand as often as you can…and REMEMBER it!
Tell your wife you love her
Tell your parents you love them
Tell your grandparents you love them
Don’t let too much time pass before you do
Make memories with everyone…
Someday it will be all you have left of them