Yes, Lance, I am Fifty and Proud of it
By
July 28, 2008
In reaching this milestone in my life on July 28, 2008 which is my fiftieth birthday, I think back to a day in April of this year. On that day a dear friend from high school who was my first high school sweetheart died days after reaching fifty. I remember at the luncheon that took place after his funeral, a friend named Lance who was always great with zingers put it to me, “You’re fifty” as I clung to my present age then of 49. Well, now he is right and I am fifty. Happy Birthday me.
As we are growing up, we think when we hit fifty, the walls will come crashing down around us and that life will stop. No, the walls have not come crashing down around me since there is still that cob web in the corner that does need vacuuming out. While life itself can have its ups and downs, one must be thankful that they are still alive as I think of my high school friend who is no longer alive to be with this soul mate and his two teenage sons. As I think of his death, all I can say is, “Why him?” He was one of those jovial souls who lived life fiercely, lived life large and loved those around him with immense passion.
In a writing I did memorializing him, I wrote, “if the amount of people showing up for one’s funeral was truly a measurement of how they loved and affected so many, Tim’s funeral tipped the scales. The church was filled with so many people that came to know Tim and came to know his love for all of us. In his short life, he touched so many in his larger than life persona and I feel truly blessed to be one amongst so many.”
In thinking about my life, I came from great stock. I was born into an amazing family. As different as we all are, we are similar in many respects. We come from both Irish and German heritage but mostly identified with our Irish one.
Growing up in this amazing family, we celebrated each other’s good fortune, milestones such as birthdays and weddings as well as achievements. We also supported each other and still support each other if bad fortune visits our door step. That is the Sammon clan and what I am remembering in turning fifty.
To honor my parents, Bill and Pat who are no longer here, all I want to say is thank you for my life. Thank you so much for the love you showed me during my life with the both of you. On this fiftieth birthday you are the people that I miss so much right now. I am trying to live life by the many lessons the both of you taught me, and if I have failed at any, when we do see each other again, I am most certain, you will let me know.
For many years, I have taken the time to dye my hair either blonde or brown to cover up the gray. I know, a woman never admits to that, but I will. For some strange reason this summer, I have not visited my hair salon to cover the gray hairs that are beginning to show through. In looking at them, I have said to myself, “I earned each and every one.” I often remark to my teenage children if they do something that jazzes me up, “
To the ‘Generation Xers’ and others younger than me who think fifty is the end of life, just think of what an AARP card can do for you. We who are over that age get discounts you young people cannot get as of yet. You will just have to bide your time.
If there was one person that I would love to also celebrate my birthday with it would be my best friend from high school Valerie. While the years and geography have often separated us, our love for each other has always been our greatest gift to each other. Valerie has been my best friend since the tenth grade and will always be my best friend.
As I hit this milestone in my life, I will be celebrating this day with the greatest gifts that God has bestowed upon me and they are my children. My children are my greatest joys in life.
While I suspect, I will be getting calls with the standard birthday greetings song being sung by those who love me, it is this song by the Beatles that I have always loved called, You Say it’s Your Birthday which has always been one of my favorites. In that song, one hears, “I would like you to dance” and you know what? I think I will. Hopefully, without anyone looking.
So, yes, Lance, I am fifty and damn proud of it.