It’s the big Four-Oh!
By Jerry • Jul 5th, 2008 • Category: Personal RamblingsWell, it’s here at last. I’ve defiled experienced as much as anyone could in the past 39 years. Today I turn 40.
I started out innocently enough. heck, I might have even been cute then
I learned that my mother loved me, my father didn’t know how, and that my sister was, and always would be my best friend, even when we weren’t speaking. Over time I grew and became less involved with the world. I learned to be angry and afraid. I learned to be independent, because feeling alone was all that I knew. I also learned to smile, because it made those around me feel more comfortable.
I set out on my own and failed. In doing so I learned that the world isn’t out to get me. It’s out to get everyone. We all just struggle along and make our place while we can. I served my country and came home. I thought I had the answers, but at the time I didn’t even know the questions.
I have felt joy and I have felt pain. I have laughed and I have cried. I have seen everything I ever worked for go up in smoke and I have done things that I will never forgive myself for. And all along I have learned.
I’ve learned that love is caring more about someone else than you care about yourself. I’ve learned that there is a simple yet powerful beauty in a sunrise or a sunset. I’ve learned that the laughter of a child can turn the worst day you have ever imagined into the best day you’ve ever had.
I have learned that being a father isn’t easy, especially in a broken home. I’ve learned that kids don’t care because they love you anyway, so you do your level best to be all that you can be.
I’ve learned that family and friends are something that there is no substitute for. You may not like them today, but you love them for life.
There is so much more to life than all of these things, but in the end it all boils down to this:
I am with a woman who loves me for what I am, and I love her for exactly what she is. This in itself is bliss.
I have six children who I would do anything in the world for at any moment, whether they know that I would or not, and though I don’t think that I could ever love any one of them more than I do now, I will love all of them more tomorrow.
My sister is still my best friend, even though both of us have done everything we could imagine to make sure we hated each other.
My friends, both real and virtual, are a part of my family. I wish you all a wonderful day. I also ask that you not make too much fun of the mullet shot… It was the early 90’s after all!
Jerry is the epitome of cooking without a plan. As a matter of fact, he secretly wishes he could participate in an Iron Chef America episode, simply because it is one place where he wouldn't feel at all out of place. Not knowing the ingredients beforehand doesn't make him nervous at all. Of course, the reality is that he'd probably lose and look entirely foolish, but hey, it would still be fun!
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That is so well written Jerry! Bravo! Happy B’day all the way from down under. That certainly is one mean mullet!..LOL…Enjoy your day with your loved ones around you…Cheers
Ahhh, my love. *hugs you tight* I love you with all my heart. Prepare to be pampered on your birthday!
Happy birthday! Enjoy all the gifts you’ve been given in life, and the gifts you’ll get today (which I hope include chocolate).
I LOVE the many “faces of Jerry”. What an emotionally-sensitive way to pay tribute to your life and share with your family. Bless you and Happy Birthday. At 40 you’re still just a kid. Wait til you’re 58 like me and get offered her first senior citizens discount! I love your site. Thank you so much for sharing.
I have to say; I still like the shot of us together better… Well, I can’t have a year without wishing you a very “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”! Now that you are so VERY OLD AND DECREPIT! (Hee Hee Hee, ya old grandpa you!) Really, I just have to honestly say, you know I love you, wish you were still in CA, I owe you a cake, and kiss my “pew” all day for me ‘cause I can’t. Happy Birthday Big Brother, I love you, and yes… You are my Best-est friend too!
How did I miss this post? Well, Happy belated Birthday! I love the way you wrote in a few words about your life and feelings. I can relate to much of what you wrote because I just turned 30 a couple of weeks ago. You have a beautiful family and I wish you guys the best.
And that mullet pic is great! I rememeber the early 90’s. It was crazy back then. Hehehe
Peter,
Thanks! It’s amazing how eloquent one can be after a few celebratory drinks, LOL! Actually, I’d just been talking with my sister about other family members before I wrote it, and realized how wonderful my life is, so I just let it out.
MyLady,
I love you too, as always. I am and shall forever remain your knight in not-so-shiny armor.
Lydia,
I treasure the gifts given in life. I require nobody give me gifts on my birthday, however. I save those for the kids. We did have a wonderful dinner though!
Teresa,
I’ll take the discount! I’m not feeling old, just a bit wiser perhaps, and able to enjoy the little things. What could be better?
Sis,
I like it too, I’ll have to post that in a few days. I honestly didn’t think of it when I was writing this. I’ll take a rain check on the cake, and you’ll see the lil’ guy soon enough!
Ben,
No worries Amigo! Thanks for the wishes.
You remember the early 90’s? Man, you’re doing better than I am! The last part of the 80’s and all the way to ‘93 is a blur for me…
And for everyone who commented on the mullet. I do like that picture. It reminds me a lot of Queen album art, LOL!
Welcome to the big 4-0 Jerry. I’m a couple months ahead of you and here to tell you I don’t have any more answers than you do.
I knew this one would move me so I saved it for when I had more than a few seconds to savor it… and now I’ve missed your day. I hope you spent it surrounded by love and laughter.
As for the pictures, I actually prefer the eighties silhouette shot… what WERE they thinking in 1985/1986 when they took senior pictures that way?
Hope you have a wonderful birthday and many more happy ones to come !
Happy Belated Birthday. Hope it was a great one.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERRY!!! (Although you know I am late) The mullet shot is classic!! Happy birthday old man. I wish you twice the happiness and half the pain of the last 39 years. I know that you have touched my life and you were a godsend to a person we both love dearly, Mrs. Seat of Her Pants. For that I will be grateful to you always. Can’t wait to see you guys again. Just have the greens ready and I’ll be there!!! Hugs and Kisses from Japan!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Hey there fellow food blooger… I was forwarded a link to this post today… as today is MY 40th birthday! I’m right with you…
This sucks!
Dolores,
It’s good to be part of the club! To be honest, I’m not interested in the answers any more. I’m looking for the questions! The day was good, everything I wanted and more.
That’s one of my favorite photos, actually… And you’re the only one that caught the HS senor photo aspect of it!
Chef Tom,
It’s bound to be a great year. Hopefully we’ll all be around when I roll the next digit.
Eve,
Thanks! Good luck with the latest release!
Miss Naomia,
You just tell us you’re comin’, Darlin. I’ll make all the greens you can eat!
And who you callin’ old, Puppy?!?
Tammy,
We’re bloogers now? Hmmm, I must’ve missed the memo. (JK) Welcome to the wide world of 40! I suppose that makes us respectable now, doesn’t it?
Well…
Doesn’t it?
Anyway. Have a very Happy Birthday!
Could have sworn I posted a congrats here. Oh well.
Hay,
Happy belated mang!
For my 40th I bought myself a new low-flow toilet and threw a huge party. That’s enough of that.
xo, Biggles