You and me both! So when my dad, who was only 19 years older than me, grew old and died, my own mortality struck me in the face.

I suppose I'll probably live a few more years than he did. I don't, after all, have COPD, and I'm not at risk for it, or for cardiac problems. But who knows?

It's easy to say, "live every day as if it were your last to maximize the joy in your life." But when you're past 60, that aphorism isn't as powerful, somehow, as when you're in your prime.

You really "got" my story at the deep level I was reaching for. I'm glad it connected!