A Life Well Lived: Reflections on 91 Years

As I approach my 91st birthday this coming December 20, I look back with gratitude on a journey that has taken me from my roots in the Philippines to a career with the U.S. FDA, through moments of history like 9/11, and into the joys of family life and storytelling. 

Over the years, I’ve written seventeen chapters of my autobiography here on this blog not only to preserve memories, but to share lessons of resilience, service, and love with readers around the world. This milestone is not just about age, but about celebrating a life well lived and the stories yet to be written.

As I look forward to celebrating my 91st birthday this coming December 20, I can’t help but pause and reflect on the extraordinary journey that has brought me here. Over the years, I have written seventeen chapters of my autobiography, moments stitched together by family, career, service, and stories of both hardship and triumph. Today, I want to share the highlights in a way that’s easier to revisit, not just for me but for you, my dear readers from around the world.

Roots and Beginnings

I was born in the Philippines, where faith, family, and tradition shaped my early years. Those humble beginnings gave me resilience and a strong foundation for everything that followed. The stories of my parents and grandparents remain a guiding light, reminding me where I came from and the values I carry. These memories were the foundation of my semi-autobiographical short novel, The Roots of Time. 

Journey to America

Like many Filipinos of my generation, I sought opportunity beyond the islands. Coming to the United States was both thrilling and daunting. I had to adapt, to learn, and to prove myself yet this land opened doors that allowed me to grow, work, and raise a family.

A Career of Service

My professional path led me to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I built a career I remain proud of. It was not just a job; it was service to the public protecting health and safety for millions of Americans. That sense of duty carried me through the years, especially during challenging times.

9/11 and Aftermath

Life brought me to unexpected moments of history. After the September 11 attacks, I found myself involved in critical work that reminded me how interconnected we all are, and how small acts of dedication can contribute to national resilience.

Family, Always

Beyond career, my proudest legacy is my family. The laughter of my children(4) and grandchildren(6). and great grandchildren(2), the quiet moments shared at the dinner table, the traditions we keep alive, all of these outweigh titles, awards, or recognition. Family is the heartbeat of my life story.

The Writer’s Journey

In 2009, I began writing and blogging, first as a way to share memories, later as a passion to connect with readers worldwide. Seventeen chapters of autobiography, countless reflections, stories of Filipino culture, food, travel, and more, it has been my way of giving back, of leaving something behind for the next generation. Writing has kept me alive, curious, and connected.

Looking Ahead at 91

At this milestone age, I no longer measure life by achievements or years, but by gratitude. Gratitude for the places I’ve seen, the people I’ve loved, the causes I’ve served, and the stories I’ve told.

If there is one lesson my 91 years have taught me, it is this: Life is not about how long we live, but how deeply we love, how much we share, and how fully we give of ourselves.

As I prepare to blow out the candles this coming December 20, I thank you my readers, friends, and family across the world for walking with me in this journey. May these reflections remind us all that every life, no matter where it begins, holds the power to inspire.

Here’s to 91 years and to the stories yet to be written.

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👉 If you’d like to journey with me through the seventeen chapters of my autobiography, you can find them here: My Life Story – 17 Chapters http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com

Lastly, here are AI write-ups on my Biography: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/09/what-perplexity-ai-knows-about-me.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/07/grokai-response-to-my-query-who-is.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/who-is-david-b-katague-according-to.html