It’s just a number (a big one, I might add)

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the phrase, “It’s just a number,” over the past few weeks.
The unthinkable happened to me a week ago. I turned 50 years old on Dec. 12.
As my family and friends celebrated the grand occasion with me, they kept reminding me that I shouldn’t worry about turning 50 because, well, “it’s just a number.” All the while I kept thinking, “But, it’s such a big one.” 
It just seems crazy to me that I have been alive for half a century already. I also don’t like the thought that I’ve already most likely lived more than half my life. 
But nevertheless I’m reminded it’s only a number. And I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably the best way to live out my life from this point on. 
I am forever blessed to have wonderful children. They surprised me with a big party, with about 75 close friends, employees and family members in attendance. There, of course, were balloons, birthday cake, banners and a newsletter with a phrase affectionately named after my interest in newspapers, “Over the Hill Times.” Besides this newspaper, I own the Steele County Times. 
I love parties and gatherings, especially planning them for other people. I will admit it just melted my heart to have the tables turned once and something so spectacular planned for me. 
To me, there is nothing better than spending time with family and friends. One thing I have noticed over my years is how family gatherings have changed. It seems like it has become harder to get together than it used to be. Of course, it doesn’t help when people get spread out all over the country. 
I received a card that outlined several important and memorable moments from 1967. I was surprised to not see my birth on the list, but anyway here goes:
•The Andy Griffith Show was the most popular TV show (one of my all-time favorite shows).
•The Monkees had the No. 1 musical hit, “Daydream Believer.”
•Rolling Stone Magazine was founded.
•Communist China announces the H Bomb.
•Dr. Christian Barnard performed the first heart transplant.
•Boxer Muhammad Ali refuses military service.
•The first Boeing 737 makes its maiden flight.
•Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu were married in Las Vegas.
• A new house cost $14,425.
• A new car cost $2,724.
• Gasoline cost 33 cents a gallon.
•A postage stamp cost 5 cents.
So as I’ve had a week to settle into the 50s, I’ve decided it’s pretty cool to be in the 50 Club.
I’ll definitely be in hot pursuit of making the 50s a memorable decade of my life, not only for myself, but for others as well.