It's my birthday

Got up this morning to presents and cards on the dining room table and birthday greetings from my family. Today I am 44. It's difficult not to feel old sometimes - after all, I've only ever been younger than I am now, so comparisons are bound to be unfavourable - but it did occur to me that 44 is exactly halfway between 22, when I was recently married and had just started a family and a career, and 66, when I shall be able to retire. I think I shall describe myself not as old, or even middle-aged, but as having both experience and potential.