60 and Still Kicking: A Baby of 8 Reflects on Life, Loss, and Legacy

I Turned 60… and Somehow, I’m Still Here

It’s a strange thing to say, but I mean it with gratitude and pride. Reaching 60 feels like a miracle. Not just because of the usual bumps and bruises life throws at you, but because in my family, the odds weren’t in my favor.

I’m the youngest of eight. Yep—the baby of the family. And today, I’m also the last one still living. Most of my siblings didn’t make it past their 50s, and my dearest sister, who made it to 69, passed in 2023. So yes, I’m happy. I’m proud. But I’m also scared.

Legacy on My Mind

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what comes next. Not in a doom-and-gloom way (okay, maybe a little), but in a practical way. I’m raising my granddaughter and want to ensure that she'll be okay if something happens to me.

I don’t have much—but I do own a home and a car. Those are my most significant assets, and I want them to go where they matter. DIY-ing a will and trust. Let me say... it’s like trying to read hieroglyphics while blindfolded. But hey, I’m figuring it out—one confusing legal term at a time.

What I Wish I Knew in My 20s, 30s, and 40s

Here’s where the humor creeps in (because what’s life without a little laugh?). I used to stand in front of the mirror and nitpick everything. My skin. My weight. My body shape.

But now, when I look at old pictures, I think—“Girl, what were you even complaining about?” I looked great! And even if I didn’t, I was here. I was living, breathing, and healthy. What a waste of precious energy!

If you're still in your 20s, 30s, or 40s—stop wasting time trying to be “better.” Embrace who you are, now. You’ll look back and realize you were beautiful all along. Even if your jeans didn’t agree.

Looking Forward, With Love and a Bit of Sarcasm
I won’t spend my time dreading the end. Not anymore. I’m going to celebrate the life I had, the one I still have, and the one I’m building for my granddaughter.

And if I wake up cranky one morning, I’ll just remind myself—I’m still here. Still kicking. And still eating the good snacks.

So here’s to embracing every wrinkle, every memory, every “why did I come into this room?” moment. Life is short, yes—but that doesn’t mean we can’t squeeze every bit of joy out of it.