Past the expiration date

I am the family genealogist. I can easily spend a full day looking at nothing but research of the 1870 census for some long-lost relative, or look at name variations for immigrant great-great-grandparents.  I research facts, but also look for stories that bring these dry data to life ... the great-great-(great?)-uncle who went to the California Gold Rush and got swept overboard.  The ancestor who freed his slaves in Virginia and moved west in a covered wagon.  I even compiled a couple of books for my family, with photographs, census documents, ship manifests, enlistment papers, and so on.

As I scan these ancestors, I am noticing their life span.  Occasionally there are a few that get into their 80s, but many many die in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.  Life was hard.

And I recall my recent trip to Guatemala.  Life is still very hard there. I met people that I presumed were about my age, but then learned they were at least 15 years my junior.

Finally, the 1940 census was just published.  It's a huge deal to genealogists looking for details about where their relatives were in that year.  Did you know the Census Bureau delays the release of census data for 72 years?  I had heard that it had to do with the average life span when the rules were set up.

My mom, at 91, is clearly beating the odds. Past the 'expiration date'.  And, she knows it. She spoke again today about hoping to not be alive by the time she needs summer clothes...

And I'm aware of the time pressing in on me.  I'm 61.  In some places, or in another century, I'd be dead by now.

My own 'expiration date' looms. Not immediately, but I'm aware of the clock ticking.  I'm so very glad I'll be starting my adventure this summer, with our move to Guatemala.  I don't want to spend my final days flipping between Dr Phil and the Weather Channel.

This time I still have is a precious gift. I will spend it with people I love, doing what I love. I will learn and grow.  I'm so excited.