Your Fabulous Fifties

+ Addresses specific needs of baby boomers in their 50s+ Helps readers grow personally, spiritually and financially+ Can be read straight through or as a reference resource when needed+ Compiled by former Focus on the Family magazine editor Mike Yorkey. From the Forward: The second half of life can be a time of incredible fulfillment, no matter what challenges you previously faced. It can be a time of learning about God's long-term plans for your life--a time for dreaming, for making commitments, and for enjoying your marriage, family, and life in a new fresh way. We still remember when we hit the fifties. Dave's big Five-O was fast approaching. Our last teenager, Jonathan, was graduating from high school and leaving soon for college. With the long-awaited empty nest looming, I (Claudia) concocted a birthday surprise for Dave. Without his knowledge, I arranged for our older two sons and spouses (who lived in other states) to join the fun. On Dave's actual birthday, Jonathan and I surprised him by taking him to the place where our last family picture had been snapped. Waiting for us was our favorite photographer. When Dave wondered why, we explained that our fiftieth birthday present was an official empty nest picture. As the photographer snapped away, our other two sons and wives walked up as if they beamed down in Star Trek! Was Dave surprised? Of course! And you may also be surprised as well at all the amazing discoveries that await you as you hit the fifties. Everything will change. Your marriage will transition from a child-focused to a partner-focused relationship. You will have the opportunity to reinvent your relationship, build a more personal, intimate friendship with your spouse, and deepen your love for each other. Your family dynamics will change, even if your kids aren't immediately leaving the nest. For certain, your relationship with them will be different as they grow toward adulthood. And in your fifties, you'll probably meet your first grandchild. Wonderful! Exciting! We have five delightful grandchildren and trust us: your grandchildren are your reward for never killing your kids. In your fifties, your world will expand and you'll find new opportunities to reach out to others. And your relationship with your parents will change. You'll see your roles reverse. You'll watch with wonder how the cycle of life continues. You'll grow older, but life gets better. The poet Robert Browning summed up the challenges of the fifties when he penned, 'Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be.' Fabulous Fifties? Absolutely! Especially if you take the following pages to heart. You can make the rest the best. We wouldn't be any other age, and after you read this book, you wouldn't either. Blessings from your fellow travelers,á David & Claudia Arp Authors of The Second Half of Marriage