60th Birthday Thoughts

It’s not hard to reflect on one’s life on their 60^th birthday. Didn’t think I’d make it to 30 let alone 60?

So, as I sit here with my coffee and my cat, I thought I’d bang out some of my thoughts. Some things I’ve learned over the years.

As a young man, my pathway led to a career in Radio. I loved it as a kid. Spent many a Friday night with my “Realistic” 9 volt radio to my ear. Through that radio, I grew up listening to some of the greatest radio talents and some of the greatest music of all time. Never knowing then, that radio had a plan for me.

In this storied field, I have had so many incredible experiences. I’ve drank Whiskey right from the bottle backstage with Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas. I did stand up comedy opening up for Jackson Browne. Hell, I even went bowling with Weird Al!

Accomplishments were many. I was too young to realize and appreciate them back then.

Turning this milestone birthday and reflecting back on life begs the question… what is my        legacy?

It’s really pretty simple. It has nothing to do with your job and your accomplishments. It has everything to do with your Family. Money and material things will come and go. My legacy is the life I have created with my wife. We have been married for 28 years. We have three grown children. We have two beautiful, healthy grandsons. At this point in my life, their happiness is all that matters to me.

I have many friends, but few I call close. As I believe it should be. Want to know how many friends you really have? Just count the ones that would help you move. Be very thankful for those!

Life was going pretty much as planned when I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It always happens to someone else, right? It was hell. But I learned a lot. 

When you have Cancer, you will begin a journey that only you can go on. Oh sure, your loved ones will be there for you, but you’re the only one who ultimately will be on the operating table. Or in Chemo. Or in radiation.

You need to have a support group. Be it friends, Family or even strangers in a group setting. Cancer not only ravages your body, it really fucks with your mind. It will make you question your very existence. Before my surgery I had a mantra of “I got this!” I found out quickly… I didn’t.

It was at that point I thought I would gladly give up my life so that no child should ever have to go through this uncaring, indiscriminate disease.

I learned that I could not have gotten through this horrendous time in my life without my wife, Teresa. She was my rock.

I had a very close friend from High School who sent me funny jokes or a song or whatever crossed his mind to try and make me smile. Not just two or three times… every single day for two months! If that’s not the true definition of love and friendship… I don’t know what is? I hope you have this in your life.

I swore that if there ever came a time when a friend with Cancer called on me for help… I would always be there. No on should ever go through this alone. It’s impossible.

I promised that I would bounce back. I would beat Cancer and be better and stronger than ever.

I’ve saved these for last. This is what I would like to pass on to you.

Pursue your dreams but remember… Dreams are just ideas without commitment. Oh and your dreams will come up against challenges. Stay committed!

Hard work does pay off! It may seem like it’s taking forever, but it will happen at exactly the right time in your life.

And finally, learn to stay in the moment. Recognize it as a moment and stay in it as long as it naturally lasts. 

Want to know the secret to a happy life? It’s “Living in the moment!”

Thanks for reading!

Lou Gallagher