Life Changes

As we cross over to the other side of 50, it seems that our bodies are constantly trying to tell us something. After 50 years of wear and tear, our body parts are not the spring chickens of yester years and the machinery is getting worn out.

My parents’ generation had no concept of regular exercise as they constantly work to feed the family, then retire to take care of the grandkids. For my generation, there is an awareness that we have to regularly exercise to keep healthy, yet the body signals to you once in a while that we have to take it easy. Our short-term memory is not so sharp anymore and aches may take a bit longer to go away. We need to listen to our bodies and nourish it constantly with care. Our body is our temple. Everything in moderation.

Has a bit of a shock this week when I heard that a good friend confirmed that he tested positive for colon cancer. He will remove the tumor next week and go for more tests to determine the next course of action. Our prayers go out to him.

I remember another drinking buddy many years ago discovered he had pancreatic cancer like his dad and passed on after 7 months. He faced it bravely and even composed his own obituary, wanting all his friends to have a great time in his wake.

My close friends talked about this before, on what songs we would like to be played at our wake. This was after another friend passed away suddenly a few years ago. My song was “Silent Lucidity” by Queensryche because it had great symphony music and lyrics. I figured that if I have the time to prepare for my impending wake, I will list down a playlist I want my sons to play the MTVs from youtube (with lyrics) to let my friends understand why I chose these songs. I know this all sounds morbid, but I was always a stickler for being prepared all the time. All of us will eventually face this path, its how you want to go out with a bang or quietly…

Silent Lucidity by Queensrÿche