My former newspaper colleague Pat Cunningham was born in 1942, the same year as Beatles legend Paul McCartney. So, Pat and Sir Paul turned 64 in 2006.
Pat marked the milestone that year with an essay for our newspaper. He spun it around McCartney’s song “When I’m Sixty-Four” about lovers growing old together. You’ll recognize the chorus:
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four?
Alas, I remember nothing more about the essay. Pat surely noted how McCartney wrote “Sixty-Four” in 1956 – 50 years earlier. At age 14. And he probably riffed on life and accomplishments and relationships.
I’ve thought often of Pat and his essay for the past year, and not only when Pat died in August, age 81.
You see, my “When I’m Sixty-Four” year arrived last May. Because of Pat – no, not McCartney – I’ve thought often about life and accomplishments and relationships.
The year brought joy. Our daughters and my university students excelled.
And worry. A cancer diagnosis.
Today, I turned 65.
Pat, please tell me. Is there a song for that?
More About the Seasons of Life
Pluses and minuses of ‘maturity’
Happy Birthday, Jeff! I hope your day is lovely and the year to come brings you hope, health and happiness. Can’t wait to read your thoughts about being 75!
Thank you, Carrie. I’m glad I have time to ponder for 75!
Happy birthday! 🎁🎉🎊🎂🎈
Thank you, Donna.
I always say that age is like the speed limit: The number only matters when someone else says it does. In your case, though, at least you’ve reached a cruise on the interstate. Happy birthday and be healthy!
What a great way to think of age. Thank you, Steve.
Happy (late) Birthday Jeff! On my 64th birthday I recorded myself singing “When I’m 64”, and emailed it to my wife. I thought it was kind of funny. Not sure she did. Talk with you soon.
Mark, I can picture her face listening to the song!