As an old funeral director, I’m just glad to be here.  I never worry about my birthdays, and I don’t worry about if I’m not going to have any more.  I have trained myself to try to live in the present and follow my bliss, whatever that may be, and to enjoy each day as much as I can—even though I have a tendency to micromanage and worry about this or that. I believe I have to be able to discipline myself, so I have tried over the years to throw away the trash in my head that makes me uncomfortable or concerned, because I know this isn’t a dress rehearsal.  It is what it is.

When I go on trips where people are running me around from one event to the next, they me what I want to do.  My standard answer is, “Hopefully I’m going to be alive for the next 24 hours.  Just keep in mind you’re dealing with a 76-year-old man who needs some rest now and then.  Other than that, I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

I’m guided by the spirit.  I’m not too worried about being 30 or 60 or 80 or 90.  What I am concerned with is that I don’t get bogged down with things I have no control over.  I always think of the old A.A. prayer:  “Grant me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to know what I cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference.”  That’s my philosophy.

Essentially, I want to live and die knowing where I am, really enjoying myself, and not really giving a shit about all the rest.  In my head I’m somewhere in my teens.  My ultimate goal is to die at the age of 12. 

Matt