50… It’s Just a Number

So, that’s right I’m now half a century old and I wanted to publish a post earlier in the week, but after a couple days to bounce back from a very fun party and then waking up for the past couple of days with some kind of summer flu…50 seems rough so far, lol. I’ve sat and reflected as to what it means to me now being this age, although I’ve been told 50 is the new 30. I agree with the fact that you’re only as old as you feel and for the past few days anyway I’ve definitely felt my age although I think I’m bouncing back today. The first thing I’d like to do here is thank anyone who’s reading that attended my party to give a big thank you to and to my wife who planned it all out for me an extra special shout out, you’re the best. I was blessed to have family that flew in from out west to spend the week with me, along with the birthday party itself, friends from back in my old adopted hometown of Brantford where I spent almost twenty years drove down to see me I say thanks from the bottom of my heart. Along with that family and close friends both new and old came together in a night that warmed my heart and bought many laughs and smiles to all faces. I’m once again truly humbled by the turn out and all the love and support that I have it was a great night.

During my party I took a moment just to take it all in, so many people to talk to and so little time. I think the biggest gift I received or saw for that matter, was just the fact of people getting together to talk and hold conversations, no matter what walk of life you came from. As I write this I find myself wondering why can’t the rest of the world just do such a simple thing, enjoy the simple pleasure of being alive and diving into a conversation with someone you may not even know. Just the art of listening to a person give their views and feelings on todays world and answering with a thoughtful, constructive answer and help lift that heavy weight of the burdens we all seem to walk around with nowadays. No arguing, no disagreements, just meaningful opinions and respecting everyone’s point of view without disrespect or ignorance. If I take anything away from my 50th it will be that, everyone from all walks of life gathered for one reason and as far as I’m concerned we had a great time!! I’m such an emotional person nowadays I was very closely brought to tears, I’m forever grateful to everyone who attended and for those who sent me social media, text messages and phone call well wishes. THANKS!! I love you all.

I’ve been asked a few times now if I feel any different after turning fifty, well the short answer is no, I guess it’s like the old saying goes,” your only as old as you feel.” It has made me look back in the short time since my birthday and ponder what I may have done differently and sure I could go into it here about all the things I would change and the more travelling I would have done when I was younger instead of drinking it away and working at a factory, but would it have led me here to where I am now?? A caring wife, two very handsome young men I get to call my sons, friends and family that always ask how I am? The answer to that is I really don’t know? And do I care that much? It has taken me a very long time to be both happy and comfortable in my own skin, something I believe most people struggle with on a daily basis. I have developed more patience and empathy for people over the past few years, which has helped make me I believe, a better human being and most importantly, and I know you’ve heard this before HAPPY. Of course if there was a chance to go back ten years ago and remove the cancer in my gut before it spread as widely as it did, I’d jumped all over it, that’s a no-brainer. Even though I say that, would I still be this person here today? Chances are this blog wouldn’t exist, no way would I write about my life pre-cancer, it’d be just about this guy who went to work everyday, worked to hard and did it all over again, like Groundhog Day. It really is a tough answer, to a very tough question. Would I change anything? Hmm…it’s always something to ponder, but not take over your thoughts.

The better question is, “What to do with my remaining time?”, since you’ll never go back in time, this would be the more pressing question. It’s one that I’ve really never put much thought into, since my cancer diagnosis I tend to live day by day for the most part. I have some travel that I’d like to accomplish, a lot will depend on how my body handles this disease and with the six month CT scan around the corner this will give me a glimpse into what that next time frame will bring. The short answer is I will continue to do what I love to do, whether that allows me to camp, canoe, travel and experience different cultures, but the I find one of my favourite hobbies is sitting here writing and when I let the time lapse between posts I always shake my head and wonder why? Because as soon as I’m writing again I feel like I’m doing my part to add something positive to this world, which is needed more than ever.

I know a lot of you enjoyed my trip posts, so I have plenty of those to come, those ones tend to require a little more work and I’m dabbling with the thought of adding more video with those, to try and bring you visually on those adventures whether a simple weekend trip or a two week adventure. Turning 50 won’t change me a lot, but what it has done is make me aware how really important time is to leave your mark on this world and do the best you can to make it a better, happier place. This will be my goal moving forward, happy to tell my story and live life to the fullest, even when my health is full of question marks. Be happy, live simple, eat healthy and exercise when I can. Small little ways to keep a descent quality of life as Father Time waits for no one. Cheers, please consider subscribing, like, comment and or vote, that’s a birthday gift anyone could give me and it’s free, lol.

One last thing to the young lady who stopped me on the street last Friday, my actual birthday you made my day. Simple conversions with someone you don’t know, I really appreciate it. I won’t use anyones name unless I ask and I never did. I hope you had a great week and thank you so much for reading and following along.