Is It Too Late To Die Young?

As another birthday approaches, it has occurred to me that certain options are quickly closing. For instance, I just might be too old to die young. I used to worry that could happen. But then, I lived through AIDS. A very scary time. When my first partner died at the age of thirty-three, I made my arrangements. I wasn’t sick. I didn’t test positive. But still, the thought of an early death lingered. Until it didn’t.

What is Young?

I guess age is in the eye of the beholder. What may be youthful to some, is definitely old to others. It just depends on where you stand on life’s timeline.  You can be a spry and energetic eighty-year-old. I know a few. Or, you can be an old fuddy-duddy at thirty. That was me. In a way, I’ve spent a lifetime preparing to be older. While others were out skiing, I was concerned about broken bones. When scuba diving was all the rage, I thought it a much better option to see the beauty of the ocean through a glass-bottom boat. That said, I have ziplined in Costa Rica much like Tarzan gliding from tree to tree. But trust me. I double-checked those support lines. It might have been a departure from the norm, but I’m nobody’s fool.

Just Be Happy You’re Above Ground

Growing up in New York City, I attended a lot of funerals. I’m not sure why so many people were dying. It just might be the odds. After all, we lived in an eight-story apartment building with twenty-two apartments on a floor. Lots of families. And where there is density, death can’t be too far behind. Few died young and left a beautiful corpse. That seemed the exclusive purview of the rich and famous. Think Marilyn Monroe. Nonetheless, I’ve heard people say at a funeral, “Gee, she looks wonderful.” That seems too high a price to pay for looking good. Better to have a closed casket and let them comment on the flowers instead.

Youth is Relative

If you’re lucky, you might have a relative or two who lived into their nineties. Bonus points if they were still mentally sharp at the time of departure. I happen to have a maternal grandfather who fits the bill. He died sitting in a chair, eating a Hershey bar, watching television. I call that a noble death. So, no matter which birthday I’m celebrating, as long as I’m south of ninety, I’m still a pup. After all, age is meaningless. Until it settles in your joints, lower back, and index finger. Then age is what you make of it. Anyone for ziplining?

And Now for Something Extra!

This month, my debut novel The Intersect will be available as a free ebook through a January Book Bash promotion with Book Cave which also includes an opportunity to win a $30 gift card to be used at the ebook retailer of your choice. Plus, my second novel After the Fall will be available through a free ebook promotion with Book Funnel. So, if you’re a fan, please take a moment to share this information with your friends. And before I forget, I want to wish you and your family a healthy and happy 2021. The vaccine is just around the corner. So let’s keep our guard up until that second shot is well into our arms. Stay safe!