I believe I've made it. It's a good thing too, because at the ripe old age of seventy, I probably haven't got that many years left to tie up loose ends. If I were to leave this world tonight, I would look back on my life with only a few regrets. Actually, I hope to stay around a while yet to enjoy the fruits of my long and checkered life experiences.

"Making it" probably means something different to everyone. Here is my personal checklist of blessings, which I acknowledge, with gratitude to God, who has enabled me to take advantage of opportunities which presented themselves through the years.

(1.) Despite living with only one kidney, I have given birth to four healthy babies and raised them to become responsible citizens. None of them are in jail, nor have they declared bankruptcy. I see them often and my two grandchildren are the apples of my eye.

(2.) After a first "practice marriage", I found the man of my dreams and this year we celebrate our thirtieth wedding anniversary. Because we are of similar ages, we suffer from the same degree of decrepitude, so we look after each other assiduously. When one of us forgets a name, or a familiar expression, the other can usually help out, knowing that the favor will soon be returned. Growing old together is a delightful experience.

(3.) I am by no means well-off financially, but, thanks to thirty-five years of dedicated participation in the labor force, I have a pension which provides me with the necessities of life. Actually, being occasionally short of funds provides an excellent excuse for avoiding invitations to participate in activities we didn't want to do anyway.

(4.) Aside from bothersome flare-ups of arthritis, my health is good and I'm one of the fortunate ones in our area who has access to a family doctor. Because Canada has universal health care, I don't need to worry about costs of future health-care which my husband or I may need.

(5.) We have two beautiful pet dogs, Labradors, which provide gentle affection and companionship, and fit beautifully into our relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. They also keep us smiling at their comical antics and amazing almost-human characteristics. They consider themselves part of the family, and, come to think of it, that's just what they are.

(6.) I belong to a vibrant, welcoming faith community, with whom I worship weekly. This organization also provides an opportunity for volunteer activities which afford a great deal of personal satisfaction.

(7.) As if my life wasn't pleasant and full enough before, I've discovered a website which has added the icing to the cake of my life in retirement. "Helium.com" has given me an opportunity to practice my lifelong hobby of writing. In addition, it provides just enough motivation to nudge me out of bed every morning to see how my article from the previous day has been rated by my peers.

As I review my life from the plateau of retirement, I feel confident that I have, indeed, made it. There are, of course, some regrets. Being human, I have not always acted on my better instincts. Perhaps I'll be given time and opportunity to mend the fences from relationships in the past which remain broken.

It's difficult to think of anything at present, that I could wish for, to improve my life substantially. Even winning a large sum in the lottery would only add unnecessary stress and strain to my comfortable, pleasant life-style. And if that isn't an excellent indication that I feel that I've made it, I don't know what would be.

Learn more about this author, Carolyn Tytler.
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