40

“40”

There’s a U2 song called, “40.” If I could figure out a way to attach a wav file, that song would be playing behind this post. So, if you could, please hum that song while reading this post.

So, I’ve been awake and conscious as a forty-year-old for a couple of hours now. Frankly, I can’t tell the difference between 39 and 40. I can only barely see the difference between 30 and 40. Now, there is a difference between 25 and 40. I mostly feel that in my knees and on my scalp where my hair used to be.

Forty is an interesting milestone. Given my nature, it becomes very clear that lots of things, including life itself, are half over. On the other hand, enough time has passed that I’ve had a lot of positive experiences and memories. So far, I’m happily married to the love of my life. I’ve swum with sharks and sting rays. I’ve walked along Roman walls and roads. I have a job that I love and feel that a truly make a difference every day. Truthfully, that just scratches the surface. There are so many good times, good memories, and good friends in my forty-year wake.

So, today is a day of reflection for me. There are lots of wonderful times, places and people to recall today. At the same time, it is fun to think about the next forty years. I can only hope that the next forty years are as fulfilling as these last forty.