The other side of life's hill

Well I turned 65 today. I'm confused about how I feel about that.Some of you guys who are that age might be able to give me some insight to that. A part of me says I need to live every moment like it's my last. That I should do only things I really enjoy.That I am on the down side of life's hill with the clock ticking.My father only made it to his mid 70's. The racing operation pretty much runs it's self. So I am running lately hard to prep for the end of the yr,but I really don't need to. Maybe I'll just sell out to two of my life long friends(My partner and his son) and go off to build stuff I want. If it wasn't for the outstanding deal I have in the shop I rent,there would be no way I would stay in the winter weather here in Roch,NY.

It is also a scarey time. To finally be faced with a limited time before death. Those are the facts as they are. I don't know how you guys that are my age and older live with that over your heads. Some input to easy my mind sure would be appreciated.

I am new to all this and I guess I have alot to learn...........:HMMM:

Live the rest of it in what ever way feels right (as long as it is legal, more or less).

Going by my parents and grand parents I have around 12 years left. Love to spend them with my grandchildren and help anyone that I can. It does not bother me really. Could be because I have delt with it before. Was almost pronounced once years ago and came back on my own (no pulse & no BP). No big deal now. Not much scares me as I know whats coming. Just like falling asleep (at least in my case).

BTW, I still get up at 4:15, work 6-2:30. I am only 60 but you get the point.

1gary, I'm 67 my grand mother made it to 96 my mom still with us 86. I realy don't think about it. One reason is I know where I'm going when I die. Its a faw better place than here so I don't worry about dieing....You have no control over when you go so why worry about it. Live each day for your Lord He's the one that holds the key to where your going. I thank Him in the morning for giving me another day to do right and Thank Him again at night for letting me have that day. If you believe in Him you don't have to worry about death. As far as the toys go I told the wife (if she out lives me) to get a auctioner. Take the money and have a party.

Happy Birthday Gary!!

For whatever strange reason in this country we believe that somewhere between 55 and 65 people become “obsolete”. That is, of course, a crock! I want to peak about 85 so I figure I’ve got some good years left. I buried my dad on his 70th birthday. Way too young, but he lived a full life and walked with God so I guess from that standpoint his life was successful.

Don’t know what your family situation is Gary, but I’ll bet somewhere there are some kids or grandkids that would benefit greatly from spending time with you. I sure love to spend time with mine! Make sure the people you love know it – don’t assume just because you told them so 30 years ago that they don’t need to be reminded of on a regular basis.

I want what’s left of my life to count – so I always strive to be pure and honest – it’s just easier that way. I keep the list’s real short and if I need to get something off my chest or deal with an issue I do it sooner rather than later.

Help somebody that needs it. Hold the door for little ol’ ladies at the grocery store and when they thank you tell them the story of your life is waiting on pretty girls – they appreciate being told they’re pretty and it gives a guy a good feeling to be kind to a lady.

Drink a beer now-and-again and eat a chili-cheese burger with onions.

Go by your local grade school and tell the principal you’d like to come in once every couple weeks and read a story to the second graders or better yet, tell them a real live one from your racing days – they’ll love it.

Take your pastor/priest/rabbi to lunch. If you don’t go to church, start. It’s a lot of fun and people don’t expect us old guys to sing real well so you can let it bellow and know that God loves a joyful heart.

Don’t go to bed angry – no matter what. You don’t want to die with angst in your heart.

Kiss at least one pretty girl a day (for me it my wife – no, get your own pretty girl!!)

Laugh until you cry now and again

Whenever you see a man or woman in uniform, thank them for their service. I ride with the Patriot Guard Patriot Guard Riders if you have a bike this will change your life, believe me...

Go the humane society and help them feed the dogs - caution here, you may find you want to take one home!

Others will chime in I'm sure. Remember, you're 65 years young!!!

Regards,
Glenn

Charlie has some good advice. I turned 69 about a month ago and my mom made it to 85 and my dad is 92 and still kicking. I believe that you have to have a positive attitude and just keep swinging. I still work full time and plan to for another year or so.

I am only young (38) but you need to live life. Do what you enjoy, spend time with those you love, hang out with your friends and you will die a happy man with few regrets and many happy memories. Remember you can die anywhere between 0 & 120 years old, just take what comes and you don't have to worry when it gets here!

Glenn about summed it up, not much more to add really; unless it's to say: read Charlie Fisher's by-line...'Lovin' what I do, and doing what I love.'

Very profound.

If you follow that philosophy you won't go far wrong.

(Although the trouble with 'being on the downhill side' is that I don't remember being at the top!)

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Happy birthday gary. sorry i do not have any answer after two years not my best years of my life.i just get up every day put my boot on and take what i am given .at the end of the day i am standing on ground or i am under it

Don't sweat it, Gary.

I have already lived 23 years longer than my dad lived. He dropped out at the ancient age of 56. My mother lived into her eighties but she had Alzheimer's and for me that was much tougher than having Dad pretty much drop in his tracks.

Maintenance (on me, that is) got quite a bit more expensive after I passed seventy and I can't hear worth a flip and I could sure use a lower back transplant but I'm told that fix is not available.

Those are just a couple of the things I hate about becoming a "high mileage" model. Something else age-related that I hate is, ah ...... I guess I'd better not mention that one in a public forum ......

Incidentally, I'm close to "turning final" for the age of eighty.

Jim

The number one cause of death............................................................................................is being borne.

Make the most of each day (whatever/however that is for you) and don't live in fear.

Several have said it well, but simple terms, "If you know where you're headed you don't fear the trip."

papa always said you die every night , god brings you back in the morning if your work isn't finished .
he also said never worry about dying cause you wont remember it anyway.
i'm running it out the back door wot !

happy birthday !

Want to thank you all for your posts. What compounds this birthday is since Dec of 11 all the health issues that have occurred with a number of them just being treated with pills being masked somewhat but not cured. When I am told I have to learn to live with another one,it drags me down. It's kind of like they are(the doctors) trying to talk me into being older than I feel onside.

I am taking in all your advise and re-reading again. Like I said,I have alot to learn about this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 1gary

Like I said,I have alot to learn about this.

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As do all of us.
None of us have been 'old' before; you don't get a 'free trial' or 'practice run' at living.
This
is
it.
I'm doing what I want to do now, and if I feel it's beyond my 'comfort zone' or capabilities I'll unashamedly farm it out to someone with the neccassary skills.
At my age; why should I care what people think?
I've done what I've done, and I am what I am.
And I'm not gonna change...
I do what I want to now, a la Charlie: 'lovin' what I do, and doing what I love.'
:D
.

happy birthday and cannot argue with what everyone else has said. I understand the health issues because I have had a few as well and I'm 45. If you can talk to the doc, talk to him about your concerns. My doc takes the time to address my questions but I also know that not all of them do that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 1gary

It is also a scarey time. To finally be faced with a limited time before death. Those are the facts as they are. I don't know how you guys that are my age and older live with that over your heads. Some input to easy my mind sure would be appreciated.

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I just turned 71 last month and I feel it. Both of my parents died around 85 years of age and I also know that my time is limited BUT I DON'T LET MYSELF SIT AROUND AND THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH TIME. That will all be decided by a greater power than us so just try and live as safe, healthy and happy as you can. As Kenny said in his song, The Gambler, "the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep".

Love deeply Laugh hard and Live each day to YOUR FULLEST !

P.S. you've been on the "other side" for some time now so relax.

i just turn 49 my dad never made it to forty. we lost my step dad last year. had some other things pop up .i have had to fight with depression from dealing with pain .. some think this as a weakness of the mind .but it can take down the biggest of a men .i get joy from helping some even if they do not want it :). .so gary find some thing that gives you joy .just do not let anyone catch you doing it