On July 4, it will not only be America's birthday: it will be my husband's birthday too. America will be 250. My husband, Jon Jacobik, will be 80. Like me, my husband has aged gracefully-- I don't think either of us looks our chronological age. (I'm 79 and 1/2; he's a little older than me!) And while we've both had some health issues, as many older Americans do, we're both still able to work, and we're both still reasonably active. We've been married since 1987 (39 years), and we are still best friends. I never take that for granted. Jon repairs computers, but he is also an award-winning nature photographer; I'm a former deejay and a current professor, as well as an award-winning media historian. Our interests are often very different, but we care about each other's well-being and we want each other's happiness.
When I was a kid, growing up in the 1950s, just about nobody that I knew lived into their 80s. I never met my maternal grandmother (who died when she was only 44). Quite a few of my female relatives died young-- often of cancer. (Years later, I too had cancer, but in my case, thanks to early detection, I'm still here -- 11 and 1/2 years later, and grateful every day.) But my point is, growing up, I thought someone who was 70 was "elderly." People didn't live as long as today; in fact, the common wisdom was everybody who reached age 70 would probably need a nursing home. Today, I know lots of folks in their 70s who don't fit that stereotype at all. They're still gainfully employed, still keeping busy, and still doing what they love -- including several guys from a certain Canadian rock band.
The other day, the great comedian and movie director Mel Brooks turned 100. Mel is a perfect example of someone who is by most standards "old" yet he is still sharp, still active, still out there making a difference. I don't know too many folks who make it to 100 -- but I'm certainly grateful that Mel is still with us. He has made a lot of people laugh over the years. (Actress and comedian Betty White almost made it to 100 -- like Mel, she did things in her own unique way, and she had a love for life that was an inspiration. And getting to 99 is certainly an achievement.)
In a world where so much seems depressing and discouraging, I think it's important to remember that there are still some amazing things going on out there. For example, there are still people finding love when they never expected it: I was one of them. I got married when I was 40, which used to be considered "later in life." There are still people finding new opportunities and new careers: I currently teach online for Purdue University's Global campus, and most of my students are adult learners. They are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, getting bachelor's degrees, and in some cases planning for master's degrees. I fit right in, given that I got my PhD when I was 64. In fact, many of us are redefining what it means to be "too old." (Ask Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush if they are "too old" to be touring...)
I find all of this amazing. And perhaps you do too. In fact, I invite you to share with me something that you find amazing in your own life, something you never expected, and yet it happened. I'm amazed I'm still blogging, to be honest. This little endeavor began as part of a course I was taking back in early 2015. The course ended but I just kept on blogging. I hope some of these posts are interesting. Meanwhile, for those who have continued to read what I write, may your life be filled with moments of joy, and may you never run out of things that amaze you -- after all, that sense of wonder and amazement is an important part of being alive.
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