My turn: Turning 80 changes nothing

Unless an irate reader shortens it, I should have a few years left before I reach the recent milestone of Portales resident Web Smartnick.

At least I thought that turning 80 was a milestone.

"I never thought about reaching 80, until it happened. It was not much different from the others, except I realized I was getting old," he says matter-of-factly.

Web, who has endured quadruple bypass, knee replacement and other surgeries, says, "I feel fine. I walk two miles, five days a week, mow our lawn and do other maintenance items."

He admits that there are "many things that I did in the past that I regret, but, overall, I am at peace."

Proving that life is, ultimately, about others, he declares, "The main thing I want to accomplish is to be helpful to my wife (Jan, 73) who takes care of her 98-year-old mother, who lives with us."

Web, whose father and mother died at 67 and 69, respectively, says that he has no thoughts about making it to 100.

He doesn't think of his kids — Mike, 53, Deena, 51, and Nancy, 47 — in terms of leaving a legacy. "I just enjoy that they are all doing well."

Turning 80 has not changed his perspective about an afterlife. "God is in charge and I don't try to make decisions for him."

He adds with a twinkle, "Sometimes I do make recommendations!"

Contact Wendel Sloan at [email protected]