I am 49 years old dammit!
It is the morn of my 49th birthday, and already I have been besieged with people purposely wishing me a happy 39th or the umpteeth anniversary of my 29th birthday. What kind of shenanigans are these? I am 49 and have earned every single day of my existence. I don't like it when people roll back the clock on me (though I am trying to have good humour about it). I am sure I have insulted at least one person this morning... but... My sisters (step sisters) passed away at 28, 30, and 35 due to a genetic illness I don't have. My brother made it to about 44. His daughter made it to 21. I have 4 brothers left, who survived the genetic lottery. I am aware of my mortality and every year is a triumph. I am also quickly approaching the age my mother passed away. She was 55. I am not worried though because she had cancer when she was younger than I am now, so there's another victory! Excuse my morbid nature, but it just irks me when people wish me a happy birthday, by ...