A few years ago, I couldn’t imagine that I would admit to my
real age. I am not vain at all. I just wanted to slow the time of reckoning. I wanted to preserve the idea of youth where
opportunities still abound and the world-is-an-oyster kind of optimism. I
wanted to remain agile, adventurous, and creative.
Well, today, I overcame all those crazy ideas, and I proudly
proclaim that I reached the milestone. I am finally 65 years old. Just don’t you
ever tell me that I don’t look a day over 64 because I will disown you as a friend
for life. I am not old; I am wiser.
Yes, I can now claim Medicare, although I am still working five days a week, and have not yet claimed my SSN benefits. My head is still full of ideas, my neurons are still active. I can actually work full-time for two more years and even longer, if I want. I guess, I am still crazy.
Sixty-five is a milestone that anyone should aspire to. Twenty-two
years ago, that almost did not happen. I have written about that fateful day on
September 11, 2001, when I stood on the platform of a Manhattan-bound train, eager to
spend my morning at the Starbucks café in the World Trade Center. For the grace
of God, I changed my mind and went home.
A few years after the 9/11 tragedy, I was even reluctant to celebrate my birthday until someone told me that I deserved to celebrate my special day and so I did, in a low-key manner, mindful to not encroach on the grief that permeates that particular day. I have actually written several blog posts about my mixed feelings about this day (I am so emo, I know).
Today, I took a day off from work and just spent my special day enjoying that I did not have to do anything, lazing around in my BTS t-shirt gift from my sister Bheng. Read
some historical romances, listened to music from BTS, SB-19, Lee Suhyun, and AKMU, and played
with Boomer. Later tonight, we will feast on a Jollibee spread of chicken joy,
hamburger, pancit palabok, and coconut pineapple pie. I had three
birthday celebrations already prior to today. My heart is full of joy for the birthday
wishes on Facebook and Messenger. Thank you all so much.
Since this is a day of reflection, I want to list the many
ways that I am thankful for:
- The gift of life. I had a health scare early this year, but everything worked out well. I still have the aches and pains of getting older, but I am generally healthy.
- My faith. I feel spiritually blessed. As my favorite hymn goes, “Let God take charge of your life”.
- Family and friends. I am thankful that I spent my last birthday back in the Philippines, and that I was able to hug my mother again. Thank you for my supportive family, and a whole slew of cousins out there. My friends make my life interesting.
- Despite my age, I still remain agile, adventurous, and creative.
My bucket list, what’s left on it:
- Travel more. I am thinking of starting another
blog with my travels.
- Write another book.
- Attend a BTS concert. That will be in 2025 after all the boys finished their military service, I am attending an Andre Rieu concert in a few days, so that is one off my bucket list.
- Paint, draw again, be creative.
- Present in a national/international nursing conference
- Learn to bake. My son Jordan can, why can’t I?
- Tiktok???
