Turning 60, Becoming a Grandfather, and Looking Ahead

Turning 60 has made me pause in ways I didn’t expect. Not in a heavy or uncertain way, but in a reflective and very grateful way. It’s caused me to look back with gratitude for my past blessings, not regret for things not accomplished, and most importantly to look forward with real intention—to think about family, time, and what truly matters most.

In addition to this big change, I recently became a grandfather also. These two watershed moments have caused me to really reshape how I approach the coming years.

Sixty Looks Different From Here

When I was younger, 60 felt far away—like a number that belonged to someone else. Now that I’m here, it doesn’t feel like an ending at all, as I had imagined when I was younger. It feels more like a changing season where things that really matter finally come into focus.

I’ve learned what’s worth worrying about and what isn’t. I’ve learned that showing up matters more than getting everything right. I’ve also learned to slow down just enough to enjoy the moments that used to rush by unnoticed.

I don’t need as much anymore, or want as much anymore, but I certainly appreciate more.

Becoming a Grandfather

The first time I held my new, and of course still very little, grandchildren, something inside me changed. It was a feeling that’s hard to put into words—part joy, part awe, part deep gratitude, and a profound sense of new wonderment and purpose.

Being a father was one of my most blessed experiences and times in my life, but it came with a lot of responsibility and worry. Being a grandfather feels different. The love is just as strong, but it’s gentler and more patient. It’s about presence, not pressure. As a father I had so many things on my plate. But being a grandfather allows me to simply be there, listening, laughing, teaching, and enjoying each little milestone as it comes.

I already find myself smiling deeply at things I noticed only in passing or as time permitted, when I was a working father. I cherished them, but rarely had the time to fully embrace those moments and give them their full deserved weight and treasure. I never missed any of my children’s events or activities and look back on those years with great joy. But responsibilities returned and demanded attention very quickly after each such wonderful occasion. This stage hits different – and beautifully.

Family and Time

At this age, I’ve started to think a lot about time—how fast it moves and how important it is to use it well. More than anything, I want the years ahead to be filled with shared meals, conversations, laughter, and memories made together. We’ve already had many, and I’m looking forward to many more.

I find myself thinking about the example I want to set for my grandchildren, just as I did for my children, and the values I hope they’ll feel when they’re around me: kindness, curiosity, resilience, humor, and love for family.

Not perfection, mind you, that ship sailed many years ago—just consistency, presence, and care.

Looking Ahead

Growing older and becoming a grandfather has reminded me that life keeps giving us new chapters, often when we least expect them. College graduation, first job, getting married, birth of my first child (and the others of course!) – all were big milestones. But this stage of life feels especially deep and meaningful.

I’m grateful for our family, for the paths that brought us here, and for the time we still have ahead of us together. If anything, this season of life is about being more present, more thankful, and more intentional with the people I love.

Here’s to the years ahead—and to experiencing them intentionally and fully, together, as a family.