Dear Ivan:

As you know, I turned 50 this past weekend.  You will be 6 in a few short weeks.  That means that I continue to be 44 years (and change) older than you.

Fifty is an interesting age.  It’s better than 49.  Forty-nine has no pizzazz.  You’re just middle-aged. There’s nothing exciting about 49.  People who are 49 years-old don’t get special birthday parties or invitations to join things like AARP.  No, the only thing that 49 year-old people get is a constant reminder from “friends” that “hey, the big five-o is right around the corner.”

Well, now the big five-o is upon me, and I have to say, I dig it.  I like 50, if only because it means that I have a full half-century of wisdom, which if plenty for me to know that you watch too much tv and don’t eat enough vegetables (see how I snuck that in there).

The other thing I like about being 50 is that I’m not 51.

Most of all, though, I like being 50 AND being your dad.  Being 50 in and of itself isn’t that great. But, being 50 and getting to be your dad is a nice combo (sort of like some of the discount offers I am now eligible for having turned 50).

So, as we head toward your 6th birthday, I want you to know that 50 is great, and I feel awesome, but don’t rush ahead to join me at 50.  Six is pretty awesome too.  So are 7 through at least 48.

Love always,

Daddy