1736 – Born this day, Patrick Henry, American revolutionary patriot.
1790 – Rhode Island became the 13th state of the United States, the last of the original colonies to ratify the constitution.
1848 – Wisconsin became the 30th state of the United States following approval by the territory's citizens.
1903 – Born this day, Bob Hope
1917 – Born this day, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th president of the United States, was born.
1942 – Jews in Paris are forced to sew a yellow star on their coats
1951 – Fanny Brice dies
1953 – Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay reach the summit of Everest and plant 4 flags at it's peak
1957 – Born this day, LaToya Jackson
1958 – Born this day, Annette Bening
1964 – I was born.
1978 – The 13-cent postage stamp became the 15-cent postage stamp when new US rates to mail letters went into effect.
1979 – Died this day, Mary Pickford, actress, in Santa Monica, California. She was 87.
1988 – Reagan arrives in Moscow for summit talks
1992 – On this day in 1992, Apple unveiled a concept model of the ill-fated Newton handheld computer.

On May 29, 1964 at 11:50 AM at the US Army Hospital in Seine, France I was born. My twin brother was born first. I have always told him that I came out second because I needed more womb. I am the sixth of seven children. My mother is a saint and my father is broke.

I realize in my 40 years of life that I've had it pretty easy. Elementary school was easy. High school was easy. College was easy. Getting a job was easy. Being successful at my job has been easy. I've made great friends, have great memories, and enjoy most of the small things in life. I don't have any coming out horror stories. When I came out to my family and friends in college I didn't have anyone reject me. They all said I was still me and they would continue to love me like they always had. I've had a pretty good 40 years.

Looking at my life right now, I have it pretty good. I have a nice place to live. I can afford the mortgage. I have all the materialistic items anyone could want. I have a great job that I love and plan to continue until retirement. I have a nice retirement package. I have a great family. I have great friends. I haven't had any hardships in my life except for one.

I haven't been successful in relationships. They never last. I'd be willing to give up some of the easy things to have a successful relationship. It's the only thing that has eluded me in my life. Is it too late at 40? I thought 30 was gay death. If so, what is turning 40? It's not that I haven't found love, I have. But it never seems to last. Or something else gets in the way like a new job or a move or another guy. One thing I have learned is that it takes me a long time to get over love. Sometimes years.

Even though I've had my relationship challenges, I am optimistic that at some point in the future I will find the happiness that comes with a successful, loving relationship. I will be patient. Until that time comes, I will enjoy spending time with friends, reading books while sipping a glass of wine, watching endless hours of reality television. . .doing the things I enjoy.

So as of this minute I am 40 years old.