There is an old saying..."To thine own self, be true." You are living proof of this saying. In today's lingo, it's called living an authentic life.

You need your adventures to feel alive, a wandering soul some would say. You're not the first nor the last to believe you would die young. As a teen, I believed I would not see twenty. I'm a mom of one and grandmother to three beautiful grand-daughters. I have met many who have made it past fifty and been surprised. Who knows, you might go George Burns on us.

Enjoy your life, what will be will be. For now, keep writing the stories, you're good at it and we appreciate it.

Take care and be well.

@Kreig, you and I are brothers from different parents and times, but brothers nonetheless. When it is time, we'll go walkabout and that will be it. In the meantime, gotta find one more thing for the memory bank.

I've managed to outrun the Reaper for a long time now. Most recent escape was not more than a year ago -- and at 77, I'm still here to laugh about it. So keep on living, my man -- there's nothing to fear but missing out on one more chance to experience.

Not bad brother. Im glad your here with us..

Thanks for sharing this, Kreig. It sounds like you've lived a full life and have a good perspective.

Very interesting history. Thanks for sharing. I love your view of life. I completely understand. I might have to borrow that "why I'm single" explanation the next time I run into someone who seems to think I need a man.

That experience you had with that first pastor and deacon, that's pretty much been my entire life/church experience. I'm sure there are some wonderful religious people, but when push came to shove, they all stepped back and made me do it all on my own. Guess they were praying for me.

You just wanted all the extra points that come with commenting, didn't you?