What does it mean to live yourbest life after 50?

Let’s just say I was a late bloomer.

I waited until 39 to get married, and 40 to have a daughter.

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Then I was asingle mom, which is where adulthood really started.

And then I waited until I was almost 50 to pursue my dream.

And so we did!

Group photograph of the 7 contestants who won the 2013 Faces of 50+ Modeling Contest (Ari Michelson)

We knew nothing about television.

We had to teach ourselves how to operate a television camera.

And, really, this idea is one of the main components of faith.

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I walk in a faith adventure every day.

Am I making a difference?

For 28 years I’ve had just about the best job any man could have firefighting.

Kim poses for Ari Michelson, aarp (Ari Michelson)

I’ve worked in Florida, North Carolina and, earlier, with our extraordinary military in Iraq.

I’ve faced extreme conditions.

I’ve witnessed heroism at close range.

The New Faces of 50+, our winners of our “real People” model search, seven men and women who love being who they are, who enthusiastically embrace their age and who’re striving to make these years the best yet (Ari Michelson)

I’ve seen birth I helped deliver a baby and I’ve seen death.

And as I approached 50, I had to think about my own: I was diagnosed withprostate cancer.

And at the end of the day, I return to the love of my life, Stacy.

The New Faces of 50+, our winners of our “real People” model search, seven men and women who love being who they are, who enthusiastically embrace their age and who’re striving to make these years the best yet (Ari Michelson)

We met after the prostate surgery, and after my 50th birthday.

My son Kyle, who’s 21, too.

He has one for all of us.

My first husband died of aheart attackat 38.

My second husband died of a heart attack at 54 and he was incredibly fit,ate welland practicedyoga.

He died in his sleep on his birthday.

And did I mention I hadHodgkin’s lymphomain my 20s?

I chose the second course.