halftime show

Today I turn 44 years old, and if genetics and current medical science are any indication, my life is halfway done.

I’ve been thinking about this for the last few weeks, not in a sad or maudlin way, but rather in a “wow, that turned out pretty good” way. The last few years in particular have been very happy ones – but even my “worst” years to date have spoiled me.

I grew up in a Norman Rockwell painting. I have never known real want or true fear. I can count my regrets on one hand (and I try not to).

I knew all four of my grandparents. My parents love each other and are still together. My siblings are among my closest friends. I met my first nephew when he was just a few hours old. I’ve participated in the weddings of many special people. I wrote a couple things that ran on A-1 and got picked up by the national wire. I live and work with wonderful folks.

That would be enough for one half-lifetime, wouldn’t you agree?

But how about this highlights reel from the first half …

I saw the Police in 1982.

I saw the Replacements in 1986. In a club.

Jason (of Jason and the Scorchers, a chapter unto themselves) dedicated a song to me from the stage of Robert’s Western Wear in Nashville – with BR5-49.

I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, including Clarence Clemons, perform the entire “Born to Run” album.

I saw Dire Straits play “Telegraph Road.”

I saw Wilco and the Jayhawks on a double bill – in Bloomington-Normal.

I saw Petty and the Heartbreakers while Stan Lynch was still the drummer.

I met Warren Zevon. Shirtless (him, not me).

I saw Jerry Seinfeld do stand-up.

I heard Sarah Vowell and David Sedaris read from their works at Town Hall in NYC.

I’ve seen London. I’ve seen France.

I watched the sun set over Big Sur.

I called my mother from the Great Wall of China.

I ran my fingers over carvings in the Alhambra.

I worshipped at evening vespers in Westminster Abbey.

I punted on the Cam. (Well, I sat in a boat while somebody else did the hard work.)

I washed my feet in the Atlantic Ocean. And the Pacific.

I ate a meal in Brussels so good it made me cry.

I experienced the attic where Anne Frank hid.

I stood on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium.

I left part of my heart in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

How could I doubt that God is good? How could I ever question that I live under grace? I have known love, peace, redemption, forgiveness. And I have done nothing to deserve any of those things.

In fact, if the second half didn’t happen, and the game got called right now, I would consider myself a very blessed person and would feel I had a wonderful life.

I am looking forward to the second half, though – I want to see how my nephews turn out. Especially that middle one. I think he has great things in store, and is going to give all of us a run for our money. And since the first half has surprised me beyond measure, I’m curious to see what happens next.

Here we go.