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Happy Birthday
(by Gary Godfrey - February 02, 2010)
It was a weekend of birthday parties for the Godfrey’s.
Two male friends, celebrating 50 and 80 years of living. Being right smack in the middle of both of these gentlemen, I was 15 years older than one and 15 younger than the other.
Ginger and I both recognized that most of the attendees were family. Yes, there were friends just like Ginger and me, but the largest sector was family.
When your family is strong, this is when you enjoy the most precious memories. Love one’s surrounding you with true blessings and Happy Birthday wishes.
One celebration was a house party, while the other rented the Bradford Refinery for a private venue. Both took the time to read their cards -- and to open presents. Both thanked each individual donor with kind words of thanksgiving.
When you’re trying to watch your sugar intake -- birthday parties are not the place to be. Cake, ice cream, sweet beverages, chocolates and nuts. Not to mention all the extra goodies . . .
As Americans, we don’t celebrate life hard enough. Just think of the 50 to 80 years of your life here on earth -- and what grand memories you have tucked away forever!
Ubie Blake, said it best: If I'd known I was going to live this long (100 years), I'd have taken better care of myself.
There’s not a day goes by, I don’t think of starting my exercising routine. When I go up stairs to use my Total Gym, our elliptical machine, or tread mill -- I never can find them. They’re always hidden with clothes, jackets, and etc. “Maybe tomorrow,” I grin to myself.
So, I conclude this week’s column with words of wisdom for both of my friends.
To Doug, the 50 year old. The years between fifty and seventy are the hardest. You are always being asked to do things, and yet you are not decrepit enough to turn them down.
- T.S. Eliot
To Art, the 80 year old. Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen
- Mark Twain
This week’s bottom line: I'm at an age when my back goes out more than I do. Phyllis Diller
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