05/04/2026
Today is my first full day as 50 year old Cator (I was born at 12:17pm 1976!). I’m waking up in Greece, my paternal homeland, and sitting in gratitude.
I journal every year for my birthday. I have journal entries (now Google Docs) from my 24th birthday onward. I always read last years before I write one for this year.
Reading back on 2025, I’m amazed I didn’t mention anything about mom’s decline. I was well aware of it then but maybe she was steady and I didn’t want to think about it. I still can’t believe she is gone. I woke up yesterday to watch the sun rise. I listened to one of her old voice mails. I miss hearing how sweet her -I love you’s- were to me. I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. I needed that release.
This year, so many people have wished me a happy 21st or a happy 30th or a happy 40th dodging the big 5-0. I always reply that I am so grateful to have made it to 50. I was never an addict, but I certainly pushed the limits on many substances for years and put myself in precarious situations, so I am thankful that my angels guided me in the right direction and protected me. I’m also acutely aware, many gay men did not live to 50 during the AIDS crisis and I am so thankful to live in a time that medicine has made it possible for us to thrive as a q***r culture and still have fun. (Continued in comments)