Reflection on my first 60 years

[Angrybird 12]

My first 60 years,
As my 60th birthday approaches in a few days I am sitting here reflecting on my life and everything that has happened.
1. Born in 1953 Dwight D. Eisenhower was President. TV sets were still fairly new and expensive. And the Chevy Corvette was also born (probably a big reason I have been partial to Chevys).
2. I grew up in the 50's and early 60's a simpler time of Ozzy and Harriet and Leave it to Beaver. High tech then was the invention of the Transistor Radio.
3. 1969. The moon landing and getting my Driver's License were the high points.
4.1971-73. Graduation from high school and going to United Electronics, which played a huge part of the next 35 years.
5. 1973-1976 leaving home, meeting my first wife and getting married and losing my job in 1975.
6. 1977-1981. Getting a job at Eastman Chemical company as a Control Systems Mechanic. Getting my first VCR and Computer. And of course, My Son Tony being born in 1981.
7. 1981-2001, watching Tony grow from a baby to a fine high school graduate that joined the Airforce where he still serves today.
Becoming a engineering technician in 1991. Then two low points for me in 2001, the death of one man I followed for over 22 years in NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt, and of course as I watched in horror on 9/11 with my co workers as the world as we knew it completely changed.
8. 2002-2006. Watching my son grow in his service to his country, supporting him in his times of hardships. Also my first wife contracting cancer and going through her fight which she so bravely fought until the end 33 years to the day we met.
9. 2007-2008, things were looking up, I met my current wife Sandra, and got married, I was smiling a lot more. Until October when my father passed away at the age of 88 from cancer.
10. 2009-2013 it started off well, but in April 2009 Eastman decided it was time for me to retire at 55 1/2 years of age. I looked for work for almost two years with nothing but disappointments.
In late 2010 I myself was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery and Chemo. It's now been 2 1/2 years since my last treatment and I am doing well.
In 2012 we took in Sandra's mother who was in ill health and she has been with us since.
Again things are looking up and I have many years if happiness ahead.

I have learned many things in my life but none more important than this.
Leave the past in the past, dwelling on only the bad things that happen can only drag you down more. Accept them as a learning experience and move forward. As a wise man once said, "Even when you are falling flat on your face, you are still moving forward." Lewis Grizzard

[ssrs2lt]

appreciate the insight, tragedy makes ya realize live in today.. happy birthday and wishing you many more ahead!! you old geezer hahaha just kidding

[RubyCamaro]

You are wise beyond your years (which BTW is just a couple more than my years). Happy Birthday & "Live long and Prosper".

I like that last statement..........................I think I'll borrow it.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by ssrs2lt

appreciate the insight, tragedy makes ya realize live in today.. happy birthday and wishing you many more ahead!! you old geezer hahaha just kidding

Thanks.....I think.... LOL

Originally Posted by RubyCamaro

You are wise beyond your years (which BTW is just a couple more than my years). Happy Birthday & "Live long and Prosper".

I like that last statement..........................I think I'll borrow it.

I remember him saying that at a show he put on here back in the 90's, he may not have originated the saying, but I have used it since then.
I just looked it up, he changed a few words from the original quote and that has been attributed to a couple different people.

Here is another one of his quotes I like.
"The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity."

Lewis Grizzard

[f5journal]

Nice write-up Bird. My situation is extremely similar.

1952, JFK, moon landing.....first job-Knoxville TN, TVA, retired early....moved on, new company (still with as of today, but probably not long), mother-in-law taken in, kids grown, grandkids...

Camaro...

no cancer..good luck

[wakespeak]

Thank you for this post. Its your life to live and it seems you have approached it with bravery and dignity.

[Retro69]

Thank you so much for sharing. Gave me pause to think about the good and bad in my life.

[Mwalterhouse]

Just turned 58 myself so I am not far behind you. Also had cancer in the mid 80's. Retired now and enjoying life every day just as you are. Wouldn't change anything! Stay happy, healthy, have fun and enjoy every day to the fullest.

[Angrybird 12]

Thanks everyone.... My Camaro has been in the shop the last three days and I am missing driving it so much even though it's been too cold to put the top down.... But I hope they take their time and get the top right before I pick it up. The guy working on it has over 30 years experience with all types of convertible tops even some 5th gen Camaros.

[Severocamaross]

Inspiring write up, and happy birthday!