Today I am 45 years old. 45. My dad was only 45 when he died. I was only 15 years old at the time. Seems like yesterday. Over the years I often wondered if I’d make it this far. The past 30 years have been quite a roller coaster ride. So much so that if I were to go into all of it now … well, let’s just say I’d probably never finish.

I’ve learned much, I’m learning much and … I’ve still got a lot to learn.

So for my birthday, I humbly request your attention every now and then. I have decided to start writing. Now, I promise not to bomb you daily, not even weekly, in fact I’m not even sure about monthly … but when I do decide to drop something, maybe it will hit home with you.

Over the years I have been told that I am a deep thinker. I am not sure if that is actually the case, but I do recognize that at least every now and then, I do think deeply. Or at least I think I think deeply.

I have spent a lot of time lately considering the second half of my wandering through this life. And I think some things need to change. Actually, many things need to change, but perhaps a simple start would be for me to share a little more than I have over the first half of my life.

The older I get the more I realize how simple instructions like:

“Play nice,”

“Don’t forget to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’,”

and, of course,

“Always remember to share with others”

… are actually a lot easier said than done. But learning to do things like, “playing nice,” saying “please and thank you,” and “sharing with others” is all a part of growing up. And as I am still learning, I am also still growing. So will you consider occasionally lending me your ear and giving me a hand? After all … it takes a village.

Love you all. God bless!