Some people get face lifts. Some throw themselves a big party. Some take their trip of a lifetime. Some people review their life and friends and ponder the future. I've just done everything but the face lift.
I'm talking about "turning"; aging, having another birthday; getting old past the middle age mark. Yes, I mean the big Six OH.
Five of my friends and I celebrated our 60th birthdays in New Orleans this past week. We went without our spouses or significant others because that's how we grew up, single and together, some of us since elementary school, all of us since junior high.
In many ways, it was as though no time had passed. We share so much history, the bulk of it in our youth. But we've stayed friends from a distance.
Our lives continue to intersect because we take the time to stay in touch. It's not always perfect. There has been anger and hurt feelings and sniping along the way, not unlike this trip. However, what would life be without challenges?
We are beset by issues of varying degrees, some of us drink waaay too much, some have real physical debilitation, some of us need to dial down the cranky meter more effectively but all of us are comparatively healthy. Four days in New Orleans carousing, eating and walking will let you know real fast what kind of shape you are in.
We are beset by issues of varying degrees, some of us drink waaay too much, some have real physical debilitation, some of us need to dial down the cranky meter more effectively but all of us are comparatively healthy. Four days in New Orleans carousing, eating and walking will let you know real fast what kind of shape you are in.
I wish I could tell you we had an easy time together, that everyone got along. Some of us really did our best to go with the flow. But, by sixty, you are set in your ways and those of us less willing to bend made it tough on the rest.
I can say there was one very surprising revelation, a deep dark secret revealed. There were minor admittances of indiscretions and stupid behavior as well. But I viewed it as reaching out for acceptance, approval, forgiveness none of which were offered by one hundred per cent of the group. Some of us have become more understanding with the years, some less so.
We are a mixed bag facing the rest of our lives. I look forward to my future but I can't pretend not to mourn my past. We were young, energetic and extremely bonded.
And I miss that.
I can say there was one very surprising revelation, a deep dark secret revealed. There were minor admittances of indiscretions and stupid behavior as well. But I viewed it as reaching out for acceptance, approval, forgiveness none of which were offered by one hundred per cent of the group. Some of us have become more understanding with the years, some less so.
We are a mixed bag facing the rest of our lives. I look forward to my future but I can't pretend not to mourn my past. We were young, energetic and extremely bonded.
And I miss that.
