Almost 50

The title is "Almost 50", "Almost Famous". Way back when, I had alsways wanted to be famous, but now l just want the four people that live in my house are happy, healthy, and successful. When I was younger I wanted to be a famous athlete, a politician, or a super successful businessman that everyone knew like Elon Musk or Michael Eisner or Steve Jobs. Now, I am happy to be someone's dad or husband. That is all I want 

So I am a week from 50 years old and I could never have predicted my life. I live in Oregon. I am married, I have two kids, and two dogs.  I had never envisioned leaving California and I was to be a famous businessman living the high life.  There were a couple of left turns and side streets to get here, but overall I am happy with where I am on the journey.   If there were any changes, it would be to explore roads I passed by and find out where they did go to, but is time I didn't have. 

It used to be about me.  If I wanted to go to Niagara Falls, kayaking on the Channel Islands, or to the World Cup in 1994, I did it.  It was fun, made me happy, and I wanted to try all sorts of things. 

Now, it is about my wife and children. It is more fulfilling to me to see them happy than anything else. There is a picture from one Christmas morning a few years ago, where the kids are coming down the hallway and see the living room decorated, the lights on the tree, and Christmas presents waiting for them. I think Delaney had wanted a bike and Andrew wanted a Wii. The joy and wonder on their face was the best Christmas present I got the whole year.   I wish I saw that look more often on Dana's face, but I guess it is all the more special when I do see it.  I want to show my children things that I value -- Yosemite, the Eifel Tower, a fantastic sunset -- and when I am gone and they see a sunset, a nice thought about me will be included.  At 50, my perspective has shifted. 

So, what do I want to do differently to make my next 50 years worthwhile and I don't spend the last 25 of the waiting to die.