How times have changed

A few of my friends and acquaintances turned the big four zero [40] this year and the ensuing events seemed rather similar. They were devoid of the pomp that accompanied hitting the milestone age as I can remember from my childhood.

Back in the day, people would make a song and dance out of turning 40 years. They would hold a thanksgiving service and thereafter throw a big party. They would take a family portrait with celebrant flanked by spouse and kids – akin to the Christian saying “your children surround your table”. They would enlarge the photo, frame it and display it in their living rooms for posterity. Their friends would come wine and dine with them and often hail, ‘life begins at 40!”

Back in the day, thirty-something year olds didn’t worry about cancer or high blood pressure [HBP]; they lived life to the fullest.

But times have changed. Today, cancer and HBP are stealing away many in their prime.  Today, most forty year olds feel they haven’t accomplished anything and really have nothing to celebrate – they don’t own plots of lands let alone a building or their businesses. Today, lots of 40 year olds don’t have 10 year old kids to show-off because people marry late and more so, some eligible singles are happily homosexual.

Today, 40^th birthdays are quieter and pretty much like any other. People are simply thankful for life and being able to get by.