I’ve outlived my father by 2 years. My body feels fantastic, I don’t have a single chronic issue, almost every day I get out and push myself.

Going to work can be a chore but it’s a place of many friends and laughs. Most days, I do at least one thing that’s of interest to me. The pay doesn’t suck and the things we do feel mostly important.

My marriage is imperfect but my wife still feels more like my girlfriend. We’re always affectionate, she knows how to manage me and there’s no better teammate. With a gun to my head, I’d do it all over again.

Haven’t had a drink or drug in 36 years. In some ways, this is the most significant statement in my life. Everything seems to flow forth from this truth. I live my life on the rails of the 12 steps.

Most days I pray and meditate. My belief in God is unreliable as my understanding of a Higher Power changes all the time. The only constant is that it’s not me and I have no way of knowing what God truly wants for me so I just try and move in a Good Orderly Direction. Sometimes, I think of a Higher Power as a dog (God spelled backwards!). Dogs are loyal to a fault, love you unconditionally and bring unspeakable joy and comfort simply by their presence.

Growing up I was told I would do great things. That has not come to pass and I have some resentment that such a burden was put on such a young kid.

Growing up, I was also teased relentlessly for my “love handles.” My entire community of parents, teachers, coaches, you name it, called me “Hank Handles” for a good 3 years of elementary school. It sucked. But those digs still get me out the door every morning. I know I’m the only one that can make me a victim.

The thing I’m most pleased with in my life are my relationships especially within my family. In the roles of husband, father, uncle, brother and son, I’ve done well. When my mother passed, our life together was complete, there were no regrets. My wife is happy. I show up for my siblings. My kids are thriving. My son, at 23 has travelled to over 20 countries. Mostly on his own dime. He leads effortlessly and looks to learn in all things. My daughter focused on fashion at an early age and has stuck with it through college. The internships she’s looking at for this summer are at the highest level. She’s smart, beautiful and works like a sled dog. Every day, she amazes me in some way.

My friends are far and wide across the world. They are a diverse group, each one has made me better. With many, we close conversations with “love.” Intellectually, they challenge me to grow.

I’m not scared of the end. I faced that when I had cancer. My first thought was that my life was well lived, my body well used. I had no complaint.

I don’t have a bucket list. I do have priorities I try to live by. Progress is my “watch word.”