She wasn’t the first classmate to pass. Indeed, scores of old friends, family and casual acquaintances have fallen. Too many to count anymore. Sometimes here and there, sometimes with the fury of a fire hose. Once lost 18 relatives and close friends over 22 months. People I spent holidays, that came to my home. Felt like a funeral every few weeks that largely took nearly all my older relatives.

So as I turn 65, I don’t really think about it being old. It’s more of a badge of honor to be a survivor when so many didn’t reach this milestone.

When I was a kid and heard a man was 65, I knew they wouldn’t be around much longer. People didn’t live so long then.

Now, I look at it as 20 years to do whatever. Make a difference, be an elder. Show the Lord I’m worth more than a career that is flickering out and done more than I expected.

I’m a sixth-generation War-shingtonian still happy to be walking the streets telling tales of the town no matter how sweaty out it is. It’s a little sobering to realize life will move on without us, but gratifying to see what a lifetime of work has produced.

I’ve already used my Medicare card a few times and cashed those Social Security checks (Well, saw they were deposited in my bank account.) I’m getting a senior Metro card soon that makes it cheaper to ride the rails.

I’m a better storyteller and writer than I’ve ever been. Produced thousands of videos as a recent second career as a video journalist. Preached from a pulpit twice and now produce a weekly video series called “52 Questions for God.”

I have three books out this summer. That’s insane. Written 13 overall when I never expected to write one as a young journalist. I even teach history and life skills classes to kids on Zoom. It’s so great to see smart kids to take over for us.

And, my DNA as a farmer is now shown by a big garden.

There’s still a lot to do and I appreciate everyone still following my efforts.

And to those who have passed on, I look forward to see them at the gates. But for now, I’ll see you around town, maybe over pizza.