I will be 60 this year and consider myself among the fortunate ones to get to enter the “third trimester” that life has to offer. Since I married my wife, Gail, at 21, and started a family in my 20’s, I felt that at 30 I was completing a “third” of something then, and life was taking a turn in many new directions. Raising children and building a family was most certainly the priority in those years, for 30 marked the next “third” of what life has to offer.

What amazing “third” the past 30 years had been! At 60, sharing my beautiful family and their friends for these many years has been a true blessing for me and my wife. Being a Zayde for the next “third” brings a smile to my face, a skip in my step, and a reason to thank God for my life.

Being a part in building a family is the most rewarding and successful part of my life. Knowing the future is guarded by the strength of a family bond, a bond we should share as a greater community with the future around us, provides comfort and hope.

Accepting the differences within the family only strengthens the bonds that create fertile ground for love and friendship. After all, a family is much more than mom, dad, and the kids. Family is the diversity of your immediate family, your extended family, and the friends that share your life with meaning. That is your family. 

Nurture them, protect them, teach them, love them, and, most importantly, learn from them. As I think about my grandchildren and the children of other family and friends, I am fortunate to be witness to some amazing young people to learn from. I can’t help but to feel excited for what the future brings and being witness to growth of our young people.

Let’s not forget what we can learn from our elderly. After all, many of them have defied the odds and have extended their third trimester well into their 90’s. I appreciate all the love and friendship from so many of them in my life. It is humbling to bring a smile to their face and let them know they still teach me something every day.

Like anyone in any “third” of life, the transition is filled with anticipation and a sense that life is happening. Carpe Diem, Seize the Day, as they say. Make your day, your week, or your trimester work for you. Make it great! You certainly can get the support of family and friends if you ask and remember to be grateful to the Almighty for blessing you with what you have.

Wherever you are in your “third,” find meaning in your past and make each day meaningful for you and those around you. When you find yourself doubting or find challenges, remind yourself that you are not alone. You can create your own vision for your current “third” and your next “third.”

Make it a great day and have an incredibly happy 2018!

Vito Simone is a local resident, home renovation expert, and a Zayde to Zev and Leo. You can find his professional business online at www.TodaysHomeRenovations.com. Comments are welcome below or you can email Vito at [email protected] or call him at 410-952-5595 with blog comments or ideas, or for more information about Today’s Home Renovations.