We changed the name because 1) the Living staff was reduced from four to three; and 2) one of the staff was on the verge of no longer qualifying to represent someone in his or her 40s.


Yes, I am now a member of the Half-Century Club.


Admittedly, I have not achieved every goal I wanted to achieve before I hit that milestone birthday.


That said, I reached more goals than I even knew I had.


Something tells me the 50s are going to be fabulous!




***




I told loved ones I did not want birthday presents for my 50th, “just experiences.”


What I had in mind was a group hike at Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve; a nice dinner at a restaurant I’ve never been to before; even some hours dedicated to what, in the normal course of my life, would be considered a waste of time — assembling a jigsaw puzzle, for example, or playing Scrabble; even going to the movies. I’m happy to say I did all of those and more. (I’m still rubbery from the hot-stone massage. And the meal we had at a New York City Italian restaurant, Cinquanta, located at 50 E. 50th St. — get the theme? — was delizioso!)


The joys of my life, Steve and Valerie, translated “experiences” a little more dramatically, however. They arranged for a helicopter tour.


“A helicopter,” said one of my husband’s clients, who used to have an aviation repair business, “is 10,000 moving parts traveling in close formation and looking for a place to crash.”


Gulp. As I write these words, I have not yet taken the tour, which was scheduled for Saturday, June 17; I can only hope the Sunday News doesn’t have to change the name of this column again!


But, heck, if it does, let me just say: It’s been an amazing ride!


And, kids, have a party!




***




So today we celebrate dads.


And my dad, Richard, is someone to celebrate. I just love that guy’s smile; there’s always a hint of a smirk there that leaves me wondering what he’s been up to. He never leaves us wondering, though, about whom he loves ... his wife, kids and grandkids would agree Pop puts them at the top.


There are other dads in my life who are pretty awesome, as well: Tim, the father of my children, of course; father-in-law Earl; brothers Mike and (the late) Joe; brothers-in-law Larry, Tom, Donnie, Dave and Chris; friends ... well, I guess I don’t have to go on naming names.


My point is, despite news reports about skanky fathers who abuse children or shirk their parental and civic responsibilities, there are a LOT of good fathers in this world.


And every good dad deserves a day to be king.


To all of you good dads: We love you. We are grateful for you. We admire you. We need you.


And, at least for today, we promise we won’t expel a big stage sigh if you don’t change the toilet-paper roll; we won’t grumble if you leave a dirty dish on the end table; and we won’t pout if you choose sports television over other “more important” things to do. Have a wonderful day!




Anne Koenig is editor of the Living section. Her e-mail address is akoenig@lnpnews.com. blog comments powered by Disqus