1961 or 1945

I really think I was born at the wrong time. My parents could not have children for the first 16 years of their marriage. I was never told why, however I know they tried, but for whatever reason they couldn't have any. And then, as if by some miracle, my mother got pregnant and approximately 9 months later I was ushered into the human race, by our family physicians, Dr. Scholl, and Dr. Stulman.

On a side note, Dr. Scholl remained our family physician for most of my childhood. Dr. Stulman killed himself before I reached adolesence...I never knew why. I never really liked either one of them. Back when I was a child doctors still made house calls. I always hated to see the doctor show up at the house with his little black bag. It usually meant a shot was coming. Over the years Dr. Scholl would be responsible for mis-prescribing medications for my mother. Many times my mother would say that Dr. Scholl was a primary reason she was never really healthy. Okay, let's fast forward...

I'm turning 47 years old this month, but inside I feel older...maybe 16 years older. I took a test on the Internet the other day, that dated me at about 52 years of age. This was based on answers I gave to a set of questions—everything from health and lifestyle to environment and cultural experiences. I'm not sure that I buy into the results. I think they were trying to sell an anti-aging product. But as far as feeling older goes, I do feel older than I am. Maybe more psycologically than physically, although some mornings before the Alieve kicks-in I do feel a bit arthritic.

I like music from the 60s...a decade that I can't even really remember. I'm fascinated by the thoughts of riding my motorcycle on Route 66. A highway that today pales in comparison to what it was even a decade ago. I love to share a meal with friends, then retire to a comfortable place, light up a premium cigar, sip a cup of coffee or a fine merlot, and reminisce about the "old days." I'm a Cadillac man just like my father, and prefer the class and elegance of a luxury car over a sports vehicle.

What if I had been born within a couple years of my parents marriage? Would I have served in the military? Might I have been a Vietnam Vet? God only knows. But isn't that the point. Certainly God knew when I was suppose to be born. I don't believe in chance. So I am who I am, and I live during the time I am suppose to be living. I guess I am just feeling my age. 50 is on the horizon, and I want it to be the best decade of my life.

To be continued...