Today I received a wonderful letter from my friend in Japan that I would like to share with all of you.
We had been talking about turning 60 and what it means. I know today, they say that today's 60 is the new 40 and they might not be far off.
Sachi told me that in Japan turning 60 means you will be re-born. That your second life begins at 60. They consider it a turning point in one's life.
They often give red clothing as 60 is a special birthday, because red expresses best celebration.
We will be brand new people with sophistcated brains.
What a smart friend I have.
It would be nice if we could start it over without the wrinkles though.
So, today my friends, with my 60th looming ahead come August, I am going to go buy some red clothing.
I wish you all the best and I hope we all give this new life a real go.
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My grandfather died at 59. It was a snowy January day and he was unloading feed sacks from the truck to the shed. His hand was half out of his glove and at his chest when they found him in the barn lot.
He had picked up the feed at Umbargers and had a beer at Red's. He was not a talkative man but someone told me he was chatty that day at Red's.
Of course, even though he was thin and muscular, he ate fat-ladened food all his life, drank the strongest coffee in the world and smoked Camels.
One of his favorite late night snacks (besides cereal) was a dish of hot brown-sugar molasses with a generous amount of butter or peanut butter melted in it,,, then sop it all up with as much bread as it takes.
I’ve missed him so many times since 1959. I have felt a little odd all year feeling somehow it wasn't good to be allowed more years than Dad. He was such a good and generous man. There was an ocean of people at his funeral.
So as I start my second life, I still think about Dad’s life – the way he lived and the way he died. And I’m jealous of the way his ended. Boots on, working, being productive and happy.
Happy upcoming Birthday GH!
PT's note indicates what you are saying may be true-
I think our generation is healthier at 60 than those that came before.
We are also fortunate to live at a time when breakthroughs are being made on several fronts... I heard a report yesterday that they have found a treatment that seems to improve Alzheimer's symptoms in test animals. On with human testing!
And PT, I too have been thinking about my Dad a great deal lately. It's weird to sort through pictures I took of him years ago, only to think, "he was 55 when I took that one." My Dad was relatively healthy until 18 months before he died, even though he smoked 69 of his 82 years. When CA caught up with him he went downhill quickly, and it was hard to watch a strong man weaken.
Take good care of yourself, folks.
Lets be healthy and happy and enjoy one another for another 30 years or so!
GH - Thanks for this wonderful posting. I turned 60 in April and surprisingly turning 60 didn't have the impact on me that turning 50 did. If course when you reach a milestone everyone asks you if you "feel old". I surpirsed myself with the answer I gave them.
I said, "no, I don't feel old, I feel greatful." I am greatful that God has seen fit for me to reach the age of 60. I like everyone else have made some mistakes in these 60 years. But I can also say I have done some really good things to. I have a lot to be thankful for. And most recently with what I just went through last month and the fact that I am still here tells me that this is a new start. Thanks again for posting this as I am truly starting my second life.
PT - As you know I also have lost my Dad. It was in 1968. I think about him all the time as I was a total Daddy's girl. His birthday is coming up August 12th and I have really had him on my mind.
Even though we miss them we can cherish the wonderful memories that we have.
GH - Oh yes and Happy Early Birthday just in case I goof and don't mention in next month.
Echo
To all those that are gonna turn 60 and for all of us who already are 60. . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
GB is right about us being more healthy, overall, then those before us. Remember when we were younger and our grandparents were in their 60's and they seem really, really old(even ancient)?
Indy Echo - I'm with you, 60 wasn't so hard, but when I turned 50, I really felt old and was ashamed to tell people how old I really was, but now it doesn't bother me. I'm looking forward to more "senior discounts".
Joker
Glad to know I have someone else who didn't accept turning 50 very well.
Shifty planned me a wonderful "Surprise" birthday party for my 50th. He said he was taking me out to dinner and when we got there - there was a whole table full of family and friends ready to celebrate with me. Well I broke down in tears and ran out of the restaurant. Had to compose myself. I don't know if in the back of my mind I felt like I was attending my own wake or what. But I really made a butt out of myself.
And guess what - He hasn't given me a Surprise Birthday Party since.
HAHA !!!!
And those "Senior Discounts" you mentioned. Never thought I would want to admit my age. But I'm with you - LOVE THOSE DISCOUNTS - And I was really surprised how many places offer them and how much you can save.
Shifty and I went out to a Golden Corral about a week ago and the girl behind the register kind of bowed her head and said, "Do we have any Seniors dining tonight"
I was really proud of myself, "I looked her straight in the eye and said, "You bet ya". I really enjoyed that meal HAHA !!
Echo
I'm back from Iowa. You guys have been busy. Great to hear from everyone. To you old 60 year olds I think our second life is going to be fun. Stay busy, travel alot fish and hunt alot. Sharons been 60 since March so I give her a hard time. Unfortunly on the 23rd I'm in deep dodo. I join the ranks that day. GB your right on the testing for Alzheimers my dad went that way not good. My Moms birthday was the 11th shes 81. She works at the State House during the short sessions from January to March or April. Shes in a golf league and plays every week during the summer. Shes had two hole in ones since shes been in her 70's. She works out at ladies only everyday. Goes to the nursing home every night and helps feed and talks to the old ones. She took all the wall paper off her walls and repainted the whole inside of her house. Still drives everywhere (thats scary). But stay busy and active never sit down and quit. I want to have Mini and DDFF for the next 30 years. Echo the weekends of OCT. 6th and 20th are good for me. the 27th going to Texas Deer hunt and fishing trip.See you all soon.
I didn't know that about 60 in Japan. That's a great thought.
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