Do we have expiration dates?  Are we supposed to just accept aging and refuse to step out into the unknown like we did when we were younger?  Recently, two friends reminded me that life is certainly about living it!  My friends Marcus and Len know the difference between just existing and being alive, and here are their stories.

Marcus had worked for the state of Minnesota for most of his adult life as a social worker specialist and thrived in his job.  He worked his way up the ladder to a successful and comfortable life but decided it wasn’t enough.  As he approached his 50th birthday, Marcus took a leap of faith, moved to a new city, and embarked on a journey to his master’s degree.

He knew the stresses it would put on his beautiful new family and wife with school, a full-time job, and the unpaid intern hours that were required, but he was convinced that his short-term sacrifices would pale next to the long-term benefits.  As he proudly approaches his graduation this Spring, he is reminded of that.

Len, a robust six-foot-five man with an impish glint in his eyes was the tender age of 92 when he stepped into my studio to record his second album, but first in over 30 years.  He joked about wanting to be the oldest person to ever win a Grammy, and I didn’t wanna burst his bubble about 95-year-old Tony Bennet or 97-year-old Pinetop Perkins.

When he handed me his song list of great standards from the aforementioned Bennett, Sinatra, Dean Martin, and others, I knew I was in for a treat.  For the next six months, we chipped away at his songs, a few at a time, and in about a month he’ll be holding his new album, Young at Heart.  Although his voice was just a bit frailer than his previous project, his passion and sincerity still shone through.  Working with him was like working with a little kid playing with a new toy.  He exuded glee and humor and together, we had a ball recording his songs.

Remember that a life is only worth living if we are living our life.  Don’t ever stop being that kid!