The Golden Years

“The golden years are not so golden”.

I have heard this many times over my life, tongue in cheek from some, deadly serious from others. Not everyone ages the same, has the blessing of good health, or the ability to travel and have loving family surround them.

But my goodness, how much better can life get than this?

Yesterday was a big birthday by some standards, but I have never felt younger and more vibrant. Being around people that love you will do that to you.

I have led a charmed life, surrounded by my family and grandchildren. We started late on this grandchild thing, but holy moly, I love being a Papa. We are killing it!

Our kids enjoy being with us, and we love spending time with them. When everyone is together, the teasing, laughter and chaos is a sight to behold. They are good people and are raising wonderful children. Life is good.

Watching the circle of life repeat itself is fun. I am often asked how the heck I managed 3 kids in sports, while working and coaching myself. My answer is generally, “you just find a way”, followed by “I know its busy, but enjoy it, because it goes by fast” – words of wisdom that were shared with me multiple times over the years.

I have no regrets.

Trevor’s 2 boys are immersed in hockey for the first time and absolutely loving it – and have improved immensely this year. One a centreman and the other a goalie, they are turning heads already with their development. Of course I am loving watching Trevor be a dad, and guiding the boys with patience and love. I have heard several times lately “how the heck did you do it”?

Lauren and Mark’s son is an absolute sponge for knowledge. Sometimes I have to look up words that he uses. He will be 3 next month! lol

Geoff and Martha’s son is the funniest little guy with his sense of humour and facial expressions. He absolutely cracks us up.

The joy of children is boundless.

So what’s not to like about the golden years?

I went to an athletic center the other day with Geoff. I played pickleball for the first time and think I might like to try it again. Then we went to the batting cages and hit a bucket of balls from the pitching machine – and after 20 years or so without swinging a bat – I can still HIT!!! Who knew.

Speaking Your Piece

The other understated benefit to growing older is you can get away with far more crap. You can say what you think with virtually no repercussions. “Oh that guy is just a cranky old fart”. “Oh, he is old – don’t mind him.” You simply lose your filter.

You don’t give a damn what people think about you – or you simply realize that it never really mattered to begin with, and wonder why it took you so long.

Men pass wind like there is no tomorrow. Can’t hear it, can’t smell it, so it must not have happened!! Do our bowels change as we age? Just let ‘er rip. When you are younger, you get the death stare. Now it’s the side eye and a giggle, followed by “he is old. Isn’t that cute”?

We hike our pants up so our socks show and our suspenders keep those polyester slacks up around our chest. The higher they are, the more you complain about the government.

Far too late in life we learn to block the noise, ignore the chaos, love those that love us back, and to hell with the rest.

So here is to growing older – slowly and with good health, I hope. And spending time with those that appreciate your lack of filter and the odd fart.

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, shouting “GERONIMO”.

I expect that to be me.