Turning 60 was a big deal for me. This is the decade that you can’t avoid calling yourself a senior citizen. Medicare, Social Security, career retirement plans, buying one last car in your lifetime, complaining about how society is going to “heck-in-a-handbasket”, not understanding slang words from anyone under 30, forgetting why you went into a room, knowing what you want to say but struggling to find the words, having lingering aches/pains, etc…. I could go on. Suffice it to say, I actually feel like 60. I was not bothered when I turned 30 or 50…. although 40 felt like I was starting the back-half of my journey towards death, so that bugged me a little. So, I decided to throw myself a birthday party, and invite as many of my friends as possible.
Because I had lived in the same house for the last 28 years (46% of my life), the vast majority of my friends were close-by. I have been to other people’s “milestone-birthday” celebrations. And, as much fun as they have all been, they were predominantly gatherings of less than a dozen people. I wanted to pull in as many friends from across the last 30 years as possible. I have friends from 25 to 80. Some relationships were made at work, some at church. But, I’m the only connection that they all have in common. I thought how cool it would be for everyone to see the diversity of people I care about.
Most of my relatives are many hours away (either by driving or flying). So, only my Mom was able to come. But, I was so happy she could meet the people I spent 3 decades hanging out with. I invited 60, 50 said they could come and 45 actually did. I couldn’t have been happier with the turnout. The whole event was perfect.
Here’s the invitation I sent out:
Mark was fantastic. He setup the room and decorations, and supplies. He made everything easy.
Here’s the wonderful gift I received afterwards… Priceless!
Who knew I had so many friends? We were all surprised about that!!!
