The Big Day

Today I turn forty.

Forty! I can remember when I thought forty was old. This is what I looked like when I entertained such foolish thoughts:

That’s me around nine years old, with my first drum set – a vintage three piece orange sparkle Slingerland Radio King. After school, I’d go straight to the basement and practice on those drums for hours, much to my parent’s dismay. I’d bash away until Mom and Dad banged on the ceiling, indicating time for dinner. Life was a bit simpler back then.

Speaking of Mom and Dad, here’s a picture of the people directly responsible for my birthday, the original Mr. and Mrs. Frenchy:

I try not to think too much of the actual events that had to occurr forty years ago to bring about my birthday.

One of my favorite birthday traditions has always been ‘The Call’, where my Mom tells the story of my first big day. “It was 2 degrees outside… and my water broke… ” Mom also can’t believe I’m forty, which, according to her is impossible, because she’s only thirty-six!

On this momentous occasion, I can’t help but reflect back on the past, which seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye. How did I go from a nine year old kid with dreams of being the next Buddy Rich to a motorcycle riding, blogging audio engineer on the road for more days than I care to count? I have no idea. Forty years happened pretty fast.

Now I realize that forty isn’t old, forty is just the beginning. Sure, nowadays thing creak and groan a bit more than they used to. My protective layer of karate fat has thickened some. I can’t stay out as late as I think I can anymore, and recovery efforts now take days instead of hours. But, that’s all good, it’s simply the price of admission. I can still hang, just not as well as I used to. But I know the secret now… sooner or later, age happens to everyone. In my short time on this planet, I’ve been fortunate enough to toast exactly 14,609 Best Days Ever, and I’ve honestly tried to make the best of each one. Along the way, I’ve made some close friends, seen some amazing places, made a few epic mistakes, and, most importantly, had lots of great laughs. I can’t complain – and if that’s the best you can say after living nearly half a century, then, at the end of the day, that really ain’t too bad.

Here’s to the next 14,609 Best Days Ever ahead. Bring it on!