Birthdays

Birthdays are good for you - the more you have the longer you live.
@mike2977 on Twitter

I'm about to turn 60. Normally, I ignore birthdays, but I'm excited about 60, as much as I was about 20. It's a good time to reflect on the differences between the two. At 60, I appreciate life more. I appreciate my wonderful wife of 30 years. Cathy, more than anyone else, has made me a better, more complete person. I wouldn't be anywhere without her. I appreciate other things, that I didn't at 20.

I appreciate being alive and healthy. I just completed my 25th marathon in October. I've lost count of the Nordic ski marathons and other races. Cathy and I have climbed and hiked mountains all over the world, including all 48 of the 4,000 footers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. At 20, I was excited about moving up to an age bracket where I could vote and drink. At 60, I'm excited about moving up to an age bracket where I can compete in the Senior Games.

At 60, I appreciate my parents and family more than I did at 20. I'm so grateful for growing up in Nebraska with a Nebraska State Trooper for a father. I was given opportunities that I could have gotten nowhere else.My father constantly challenged me to do better in life. I didn't appreciate his discipline when I was young, but I do now.

At 60, I appreciate the challenges life has to offer. Who knows what the future will bring, but I look forward to the challenge.