Midlife

 Me and my mom on the right with five of my aunts, my grandmother and great aunt seated. My mom was 33 here, and my aunts all ranged from 43-49 years old. 

Do you ever wonder what day you’re going to die?  I think about how my dad passed away on MLK day in 2020. For so many years during his life, he seemed to admire MLK and think he was a great speaker. The elderly woman I cared for between July of 2023 and March of 2024 died on the anniversary of the day her son’s adoption was final. She told me the story of that day a few times, unaware that it would be her “deathiversary”. I asked my mom if she ever wondered what hers would be. She said “No, because I’d be afraid every year when that day rolled around.”  

I also kind of wonder when is midlife. I’m about to turn 47. I’m at midlife if I live to be 94. 

My aunt Fran, pictured above second from left with a black dress and black curly hair just passed away in March at age 94. In this picture, she was about my age or maybe a year older, and at her own halfway mark. I think it’s possible that I would live to 94, but chances are I probably have more life behind me than in front of me. 

Of course it’s always possible that I could die in a freak accident today- I hope not, but if that were the case, then my halfway point would have been when I was 23. Back when 9/11 happened. 

My little cousin Evan was killed in an accident at age 23.  His midlife was when he was in 6th grade. 

Whatever happens, I pray for Psalm 91:16. “With long life, I will satisfy him.”  It’s also a Song