Turning 50 Ain't Bad

By Doug Geed

  So several different people asked me the same thing in the newsroom the other day as we were munching on the birthday cake and cookies some of my colleagues had gotten me -- "What's it feel like to turn 50?" And my answer was "I don't know. The same as turning 40, 28-and-a-half or 10 I guess." And by that I meant that I simply don't know what any number means in terms of age. Yeah, my body's slowed down a bit, but my mind still feels like it did 10, 20 or even 30 years ago.

     The fact is, none of us knows why we're here or exactly how we're supposed to act. It's a guessing game. You act like you THINK an adult is supposed to act -- or how a senior citizen is supposed to act -- or how a middle-aged man is supposed to act.

     It's like when one of your kids comes to you with a dilemma and asks you what to do. You pause, run some things through your mind and then say "Sweetie, the answer is C." She says "Thanks, dad!" and as she walks away you say to yourself "Jeesh, I hope that was the right answer!"

    But I do know this. I've been blessed with a great life for a half century. I grew up in Syosset, right by the high school, about two miles away from where I now work. I loved two things as a kid -- sports and television. And when I wasn't playing baseball or swimming or doing something else athletic, I was watching my favorite tv shows -- from Hollywood Squares to Bewitched to Mannix to the greatest television show of all time, Kiner's Korner. (Only Met fans will remember that one.)

   And now to be working in the television industry, in a profession I love -- journalism -- in my own hometown, is an incredible honor.

   I also know this. It is good people surrounding you that makes life worth living, and I've been blessed with a bunch. There's my wife of nearly 24 years. I don't know where I'd be without her, but it certainly wouldn't be nearly as fun. There's my three kids whom I adore, cherish and even like as people. And there are many, many close friends I've had through the years including many who a part of the News 12 family.

   So when I'm celebrating number 60 or, if I'm lucky enough, number 90, and someone asks me what's it's like to turn that age, I'm sure I'll say the same thing because I'm sure I'll FEEL the same thing -- "I don't know."

   But I do know that turning 50 ain't bad.

Comments

[Bob]

Plus you're turning 50 and surrounded by all those beautiful women. Lucky guy you. Happy Birthday.