Seventy-eight!

By Bud Bowlin (retired Husband, Father, Grandfather, Mentor & Friend)

Well friends, I just completed my 78th year successfully(I’m still alive) and what a year it was. It never ceases to amaze me how many different life experiences one can cram into a single year. I’d love to share a few of the highlights:

• I got to have ice cream with my grandkids(All of them at one time or another)
• Went on two cruises. The first to the Caribbean with my Daughter Courtney, her partner Joe, my son Jason and wife Karen, Grandkids Charlie, Emmet and Mia. Second cruise was to Alaska with my little blond wife Kelley.
• Had a wonderful lunch with Zenefits friends Cat & Kim and the beautiful Miss Lilly(Golden Retriever)
• Welcomed Miss Adley Grimes into the world?
• Had 3 different laser procedures on my eyes. I can now see and read without glasses for the first time in 40 years.
• Had several excellent lunch “gabfests” with lifelong friends Jen & Ashley from Zenefits, not to mention additions Denise, Steven, Kayla, Phoebe and many others.
• Attended “The Nutcracker” in Pasadena, CA where my Granddaughter Charlie performed the lead role of Clara.?
• Visited Universal Studios where wife Kelley hung out with Frankenstein
• Had an episode of shingles.? Now I believe my son Jason when he said it was VERY painful.
• Was comforted with many friendships from my childhood and college shared on Facebook.? You know who you are.? You’re precious to me.
• Celebrated Kelley & my 37th Wedding Anniversary.?
• Attended two dance recitals, 3 soccer games, too many movies to mention and several ball games(baseball of course)
• Visited numerous Indian casinos and made large contributions to each.
• Visited 7 different states, & 4 foreign countries
• Almost forgot(you do that after 78) took a ride on the Ozempic train and lost 45 lbs so far

Before this gets too out of hand I just want to say I’m very positive about looking forward to what next year and the next brings. Get out and spend time with someone you love and make time for the important things happening in THEIR lives. A man I worked with for 24 years…Pat Rogers…. said to me several times ,,,,,,Life is short, Enjoy things while you’re alive, because you’re gonna be dead for a long time.?