Hail, planes, new loves, perfect babies & MORE!

Oh my goodness, {NAME}! I know I’ve asked the BHMD community to weigh in on lots of different topics before — and I’ve always been blown away by your candor and sincerity. But the responses I got to my most recent email? Well, let’s just say they’re going to stick with me for a LONG time. Which is actually very fitting given the subject... You see, in my last email I talked about how time seems to move faster and faster as we get older — at least that’s how it feels for me. (After all, it feels like Kendhal and I JUST got back from our honeymoon yesterday… when in reality, it was nearly a decade ago!) So I wanted to see if you’ve ever experienced this ‘time warp’ with special events in your life too... But I never imagined the amount of thoughtful and deeply moving responses this question would inspire. In fact, I’d like share a few of them with you right now — because I think they hit on a lot of really important points.  Time is moving pretty fast for me as well. This year I turn 60 and even though I don't look or feel 60 I know the truth. My special memory would be the day I joined the Army. Going to Germany all by myself for a tour of duty. I had never been on a plane before. (Also) the day I got baptized in 2010. I'm looking forward to making more of those memories that I never forget. Thank you for making me reminisce. -Carol K. Thank YOU for your service, Carol! It sounds like you’ve led quite an extraordinary life… and I love that you’re looking forward to making more memories down the road. After all, 60 is the new 40, so you’ve got a LOT to look forward to still.  I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with my son...I was 43. We were doing In vitro fertilization and it was a success on the first try. I levitated... he’s 19 now and a perfect specimen of a man (and that’s my totally unbiased opinion). Nothing has come close to the joy I get from being his mother! - Julia N. Julia, I’m so happy for you! I feel the same way about being a dad :) And to a broader point: I think your story really goes to show that the more science advances (and it’s advancing every day!), the less relevant our biological age becomes. That’s why things we used to consider “unusual” — like having a baby at 43, or climbing Mt. Everest at 70, or living well past 100 — are now becoming the norm. (So just imagine the possibilities from here on out!)  I have noticed this phenomenon for quite some time. Wish I could slow it down and enjoy life but it speeds by. Missed a huge part of life raising children and now I look older than I would like, making it hard to get out there and try dating again. After being single and alone for as many years as I have, it is a little intimidating to think of dating. Not used to being older (in age and appearance) while attempting to date. - Anonymous I appreciate you sharing this. I think a lot of us have moments where we feel like our best days are behind us… so your story is one we can all relate to on some level. But you know what? I think your children are extremely LUCKY to have been raised by a mom as devoted as you. And now, this is your ‘second act,’ your chance to reinvent yourself however you like… so I actually can’t think of a better time to start dating! In fact, I know tons of people who found love later in life, and they couldn’t be happier. But don’t take it from me — just look at this next letter I got from one of your fellow BHMD subscribers!  Dr Layke, This is very nice and thoughtful that you reach out to your clients this way. It's unusual and I like it. That being said; I remember my first kiss at 13 and my first kiss this month from my new husband [Tony]! We celebrated our 5th anniversary last month. He will be 80 this month… looks and acts like a 50 - 60 year old. A great man! - Jill B. (Age 73) Congratulations, Jill! I really hope your story will inspire others. I think the secret is, you and Tony both truly FEEL young at heart. So I know you’ll have many long, happy years — and countless wonderful memories — together. Cheers! (By the way, Jill even included a photo of herself and Tony... and they both look AMAZING too!)  Dear Dr Layke, I'm a songwriter performer turned animal rescuer. LOL my life is stressful and it’s taking its toll. i wish i could do more for myself but most of my money goes to saving shelter animals and finding them new homes, and getting them rehabilitated. but i need to do something for the way i look and feel soon. anyway, thank you. one day i will have enough funds to some in to your office. - Julie C. Wow. You’re a real-life superhero, Julie! I mean it, your selfless dedication to such a noble cause is incredibly admirable... I hope to instill that same spirit in my daughter. (Just remember to take care of yourself too. Even small steps like eating healthy meals and an occasional face mask can help you look and feel better!) Now, I should add — while I’d love to see you in person one day, Dr. Danielpour and I are currently working on something that might save you the trip. (This is actually a BIG deal, so I can’t say too much about it right now… but if your goal is to look younger, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for more details soon!) But today, I want to end on a lighter note — so I’ll leave you with this.  I remember clearly the first time I saw hail. I was amazed. Little pieces of ice falling from the sky and bouncing on the porch stairs! How could that be?! - Gail S. This brought a BIG smile to my face… I’ll admit, having grown up in Wisconsin, I still remember how amazed I was when I saw a palm tree in real life for the first time! So thank you for reminding us to cherish life’s little wonders, Gail — because sometimes, it’s the small things that stick with us the longest. By the way, these are just a few of the several hundred emails I’ve received in the past few days — and honestly, I wish I could share all of them. I mean it, I read every single one… and they made me feel more connected to the BHMD community than ever. So while I may not be able to control time, what I can promise you is this: If you strive to keep making memories — no matter your age or what life throws at you — I’ll make sure you look GREAT in the photos for years to come :) Your Beverly Hills MD, Dr. John Layke  P.S. Okay, there’s one more response I just have to share, because it means a lot me to personally.  “I work in a retirement community with all levels of care. One of the wisdoms often shared by many of our aging residents is that time goes by quicker as you get older because you have less of it to live, so, live-up -while you still feel & look good enough to do it! If you look young, you feel young & want to keep it that way, to the end.” - Donna W. This is so true, Donna. And I think it works in reverse too. (Meaning, if you feel youthful on the inside, it automatically makes you appear younger on the outside as well!) The problem is, that ‘young at heart’ feeling isn’t always easy to hold onto as we get older… so a boost to your physical appearance is often the fastest way to revive it. And ultimately, that’s why I got into this profession in the first place — to help people feel their best. So I really appreciate you sharing these words of wisdom, Donna. Because they’re a great reminder of our mission here at BHMD… and will motivate me to keep working my hardest each and every day. And you know what else motivates me? These guys!     Yep, that’s Smith and Jamison on the left, and our little girl, Violet, on the right. (They’re growing up so fast, I almost can’t believe it!) I’m so grateful for these 3 rascals — and judging from all the emails I’ve received these past few days, members of the BHMD community feel the same way about their own kids and grandkids too :) I think it just goes to show that no matter who we are or where we come from… we all have the same fears about getting older… the same hopes for the future… and we all cherish the same things in life.    This email was sent to {EMAIL} by jlayke@beverlyhills-md.com Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group 436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 214 Beverly Hills, CA 90210  [Edit Profile]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Report Spam]( Â