My 60th birthday is just about a month away and I can tell you that, without any exaggeration, it really sucks hitting this "milestone." I seemed to have handled all the other "big" birthdays in stride, though I will admit that I had some issues with my 50th, but it was more not wanting to make a big deal of it. Lizz, to her credit, wanted to mark the occasion in some way but I resisted as if by not celebrating the fact it would go away. We ended up having a nice little dinner out with some friends. Actually turning 50 wasn't such of a big deal. I had way too much going on in my world - including a newborn son - to feel anything but alive and fairly well.
The only other birthday that depressed me was my 27th. I just didn't like where I was - physically, spiritually and career wise - at the time. However, it wasn't a long-lasting event as my life was soon to begin a series of interesting, if not successful, changes.
But this one is different. I think I figured out why. When you turn 50 your mind plays a little trick on you. 50 sounds like half-way or fifty percent. Yes, I know most of us don't live to be 100, but you still get a feeling that you've reached a half-way point and that's not bad. Also, most of us are doing pretty good now at 50 in spite of whatever bad habits you may have thanks to modern medicine and a bit of good luck. But now you turn 60 and all you can do with that number is round it up to dead. Plus let's face it - 60 years is long time for anything to last and still be in good working order so the little aches and pains are starting to add up. Then you have the added bonus of watching all of your childhood heroes age badly - the lucky ones, anyway.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a tale of woe. I am having the time of my life. I have a spectacular family. Lizz and I have hit a new stride in our relationship and Liam is just the greatest gift I have ever received. I'm still gainfully employed, still making music with my friends who, by the way, are some of the most interesting and fun folks around. I really have no right to complain about anything.
So unlike my 50th, I decided to embrace this one - big time. One of my old bands from the 80s - The Fabians - had been discussing the possibilities of getting back together and I was able to coincide it with my upcoming birthday. A bunch of my friends are also going to get up and play so I'll be celebrating with the people I love the most, doing what I love to do. I've also decided to dedicate this year to doing things that I've been putting off for too long. All things said, the sixth decade of my being is off to a pretty good start.
One thing though. AARP can kiss my ass.
