I was born 60 years ago. Leading up to this landmark birthday, I've given a lot of thought to the state of things, past and future. On the whole, I have little to complain about; it's been a wonderful life in which I've been very fortunate. And I certainly hope it will continue for a few more years- there's still a lot I would like to do!
In 1965, the year I was born, a lot was going on:
- At the end of January, Winston Churchill died and was given a grand funeral. I missed overlapping the life of that historical figure by only a few months.
- In February, Canada adopted their now familiar Maple Leaf design for the national flag.
- March was a tumultuous month, with Rolling Thunder bombing missions going on in Vietnam, and Bloody Sunday civil rights protests happening in Alabama.
- In April, Julie Andrews won an Oscar for her performance in Mary Poppins.
- In May, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston with his "Phantom Punch" in Lewiston, Maine.
- Mariner 4 became the first spacecraft to send home photos of Mars in July.
- On August 4, a newborn struggled for breath in a hospital incubator in Normal, Illinois. He would go on to become a research scientist known for his lack of notable accomplishments, as well as an enthusiastic hobbyist baker, wooden boat builder, and postal mail booster.
- In September, the final session of the Second Vatican Council began.
- Pope Paul VI, in October, became the first pontiff to visit the USA and conducted a mass at Yankee Stadium, New York.
- American auto racer Craig Breedlove set a new land speed record of 600 mph in November.
- And in December, A Charlie Brown Christmas aired for the first time on CBS.
So, my life so far began in rousing fashion. Since that first year, man walked on the moon a total of six times (family lore has it that I was asleep in my crib while my parents left to visit neighbors who had a better TV to watch Neil Armstrong take his first step), the last couple of which I have a memory of seeing. In my lifetime, computers have exploded into a ubiquitous revolutionary force that has drastically altered society, sometimes for good. Scientific knowledge, broadly, and medical knowledge, specifically, have made great strides during my life. Indeed, technology in all facets of life have barely retained any recognizable features of when I was born. The human side of life's equation, however, has not perhaps made such gigantic leaps.
My own life has also seen many events, both notable and mundane. My happy childhood was certainly the epitome of a benign suburban upbringing. I was blessed with devoted parents, a stable home life, good education, and a sufficient if not lavish lifestyle. With all the advantages of gender, race, education and opportunity, I was able to accomplish... very little. Certainly, less than I could have if I'd exhibited more initiative, diligence, and hard work. In spite of a glaring lack of ambition, I bounced back from an abortive attempt at a career as a Coast Guard officer and instead studied to become a research scientist where I've built a very modest CV and a scientific record unalloyed by achievement. But in at least one endeavor I can be proud: I've enjoyed a long, happy marriage to my wife Kathy. Tomorrow we will celebrate 36 years of wedded bliss. So if there is nothing else, I can at least look on our union as one of my life's great accomplishments.
What lies ahead? That's a little less clear, but I am hopeful there are still some pleasant memories yet to be made. I have enjoyed good health up to this point in my life, with a small episode earlier this year marring a record of otherwise trouble-free corporeal operation. There's nothing to indicate today that I might not yet enjoy a few more years, so perhaps I can at last summon some ambition to do something notable with my life. If I ever manage it, I'll be sure to let you know all about it right here.
