Turning 55: It Ain’t The Destination, It’s The Journey. The View Along The Way…

I woke up around 7:45 this morning, lying still as my brain ran a full diagnostic scan on this body I have been riding in for what is now officially 55 years. “Hurry up” I signaled to the control center as my vision continued its 2-minute warm-up before locking in clearly. My impatience was not so much the eagerness to start the day as it was to empty my bladder after a night’s sleep on two 16.9 oz bottles of purified water.

Diagnostic complete.
Right shoulder pain level = 7.
Back pain level = 6.
Left arm strength = 83%.

Sit up slowly. Stand with caution. Proceed to bathroom, urinate, then lower toilet seat for spouse. Shower.

I pivoted, sat up, leaned to the left and unplugged the humidifier which helped reduced the instances of dry mouth that used to wake me throughout the night.

---

Yes, getting up is a dedicated effort these days.

No, I’m not like Tom Cruise, who at 60 is still doing his own stunts. I’m lucky if I can get off the recessed couch seat in less than two attempts without assistance. For me, the morning routine includes self-analysis, blood pressure and glucose measurement, followed by a handful of medication from the pill diary.

I’m nowhere near the fireball of mischief that I used to be.

But I smile.

I spent a good deal of time celebrating yesterday’s “double-nickel” birthday on the phone: answering calls, returning texts, emails, replying to social media messages of love and facetiming. I never left the house because both cars are now down. They’re in worse shape than I am.

But I smile.

I looked at the text my oldest son sent me with a picture of my first and only grandchild. She was half-smiling with a humorous message posted beneath it. A wonderful way to start my day. It was the first of many beautiful things I would enjoy between gifts, hugs, laughs, a good birthday dinner and the joy of family.

And so I smile.

I haven’t had the best life, but it’s been quite the ride.

I’ve traveled. I’ve loved. I’ve lost love. I’ve fought. I’ve bled. I’ve won. I’ve slept on operating tables. I’ve tended to the injured.

I’ve written. I’ve read. I’ve screamed from the crowd. I’ve performed on stages.

I’ve played practical jokes. I’ve been taken into custody.

I’ve tried. I’ve failed. I’ve succeeded. I’ve learned. I’ve taught. I’ve built a house, and with family, I’ve built a home.

And so I smile.

I’ve lived to see all of my Chicago teams win championships! The Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Sky, White Sox (though I’m not a fan) and FINALLY, my beloved Cubs! Who all can say that?

And so I smile.

I’ve never been rich, but I’ve been ENriched with the love of everyone in my home and everyone I’ve ever called “friend”.

---

I don’t know how much time I have left.
I don’t know if I’ve done everything God has called me to do.
I don’t even know if everything I’ve done has been to His satisfaction.

But I’m 55 years and a day. Brittle bones, sore muscles, wrinkled/scarred skin, grey hairs and all.

So I’m in the gym. I’m eating right better.

I’ve been given yet another day to get it done. To get it right.

And I pray. But even better, He answers.

And so I smile.

Because this journey is mine and mine alone, and I’m still going, even if at times, it’s a crawl.

Because over the years, I’ve shed the tears, fought the fears and heard the cheers.

I’ve gone from Pop to Popped Knee to RoboPop to RoboPopPop.

I smile. Because I’m still here.

I smile because at 55, it ain’t the destination. It’s the journey. The view I’ve enjoyed along the way.

Like what you read? Leave a comment in the section below. And feel free to sign up at the bottom to receive email notification of future posts from Kenny’s Camera, Cooking & Crazy Confessions at ZootsBlogSpot!