50+ Lifestyles

It’s a New Day! – PUBLISHER’S CORNER

By Mike Mickle

Welcome to the newly redesigned 50+ Lifestyles (print edition). We at  50+ Lifestyles hope you like what you see! We are excited about this new venture, and we hope you will continue to offer your input and ideas. 
 
My family and I are just back from a big family celebration. I mentioned last month that Karen’s grandmother was turning 100. She did, and we had a weekend of celebrations! As we planned for the party, I don’t think most of us realized the significance of the event until we were gathered together. As the house filled with family members, I looked at Grandma Killey. The pride was apparent from the smile on her face. Her two surviving sons, all 8 grandchildren, their spouses and her 16 great-grandkids all gathered to show their love and respect. There sat this tiny woman who has more spunk than anyone I’ve ever met, completely overwhelmed by the turnout for her big day. Tears flowed freely on Saturday as the family sang “happy birthday”.

They flowed again on Sunday when we sang again. Only this time, it wasn’t just family. It was in the presence of almost 200 people that Grandma Killey had touched in one way or another. At 100, she sat through the 2 and 1/2 hour reception, greeting each visitor with a squeeze of the hand or a hug. She called each of them by name. Amazingly sharp at the ripe young age of 100. As the party ended, she gave us each a hug and thanked us for our hard work.

I was in awe of what I had just witnessed. A woman, more than twice my age, filled with love and determination. She’s touched more lives than I ever will, yet she doesn’t realize the impact she’s made on so many people.
 
It made me realize, there’s a lot more life to be lived, whether I live to be 50 + 5 or 50 + 50. If I can leave only half the legacy that Grandma Killey has, it will be a life well-lived.

Have a wonderful October, and we’ll check back in with you next month.