Friends passing away.

[Jessie Ann]

I have now lost a third close friend this year.  Two were friends from college and the other was one of the first friends I made when I started working.  I have people telling me that at 54 I am "not old". While I may not be old I am now keenly aware of how short life can be.  I waited until later in life to come to terms with my status so I have been a little impatient as I have transitioned. Loosing someone that you have been close to really brings it home. I am not going to transition on anyone's timetable but my own. So while life is short remember it is never too late to become the person you were meant to be. 

[Ms Grace]

This is very true. Sorry for your loss but I hope things work out great for you.

[sam1234]

Fifty four isn't old, providing you have taken care of yourself. You have a good point about living life at your pace, and honestly, people can die at any age. I lost a friend to complications associated with recreational drugs when he was only 31. We all cross the road at some point, and its just not worth worrying about. I'm sorry you had to go through the loss of so many friends, but if it taught you to take advantage of every day, then their deaths were not in vane.

sam1234

[Traci New]

So sorry to hear about you losses. I know how that feels as i have lost several friends and even the love of my life in the last couple of years. It does make us realize how fragile we are and how short life really is.  From my end you are young as i have almost 10 years on you.  The most important thing is to enjoy the life we have left.

[Jessie Ann]

Thanks everyone. 

I am grateful that I currently have my health and I am working on keeping in shape and eating healthier.   Having had a bladder tumor discovered very early 6 years ago (the same thing that took the life of one of my college friends) and living with a pacemaker for the last 8 years I know I can't ignore my health.  Having my maternal grandmother and grandfather, paternal grandfather and my mother die in their early 70's gives me pause about how long I will have to enjoy life as a woman. 

I am so glad that I am at a place in my life where I can transition rather quickly to enjoy the last 10 years of my working life as a successful female attorney.  If I were to suddenly pass away tomorrow I can finally say that for the last 8 months I have really enjoyed life and have never felt so wonderfully alive.  I am looking forward to this next phase of my life and plan on living and not just surviving and getting by.