Sometimes a Mid-life Crisis Can Find You Even When You’re Not Looking for One

I have spent most of the last decade of my life trying to beat off the infamous middle life crisis. To date I have been quite proud of my success. I see men of my age questioning whether or not they should have given up the wild lives of their past. Some have even wondered if they should begin wild lives. One of my friends keeps on telling me this is the only life he will ever have so why shouldn’t he have fun for as long as he can. Since his wife divorced him about two years ago and his children rarely consider him alive I knew I did not want to follow his lead.

A few weeks ago circumstances above and beyond my control gave me a preview of what my life would be like if I allowed this mid-life temptation to take over my life. My wife and I were at a birthday party for my daughter’s boyfriend in the heart of Boston. It was a private party with many of his friends and relatives in attendance. Looking around the room it was easy to observe I was one of the oldest people there. Wandering throughout the small circles of people I was having a difficult time becoming part of any conversation because they were young and as I stated before I am old.

After enjoying a few beers it was time to release some of the pressure caused by drinking a bit too much liquid. For in reality one never buys beer one simply rents it. Entering the bathroom that was at the back of the room I noticed a smell I haven’t smelled since my college years. In the corner of the bathroom were a group of young men enjoying a cigarette that had nothing to do with tobacco? Smiling I walked to where I had to walk when one of the group asked if I would like to join them. I just smiled, did what I had to do, and walked toward the exit.

Before I exited one of them asked if I was Jessica’s father. I told him yes and then another one of the group stated she was a great person. Hearing that my offspring had such a wonderful reputation I stopped and thanked him for making that comment. He then started a conversation about how long he had known my daughter’s boyfriend and I enjoyed some of the stories they were telling. A few moments passed when I heard a large bang on the door.