It Was A Great Day To Be 70

I turned 70 on October 10th.

Some people would frown, or get down on themselves, but I savored the moment. Our household mantra is Carpe Diem (seized the day). And that is what happened.

Ginger tried to organize a surprise birthday party for me, but it failed. Let me explain. We went to the Bruckner’s annual fundraiser on the fourth of October. There was a silent auction, and I won two Ohio State tickets for the October 10, 2015 game. I was more than excited. I showed them to Ginger, and she immediately said, “you can’t go to this game”.

“Why not?” I replied.

“Because I’m having a birthday party for you,” she explained.

With my tail dragging behind me, I found the second highest bidder and sold my precious tickets to him. At least I made two people happy.

While I was watching the game on Saturday, Kelly (daughter number one) and her family arrived bearing gifts. Maryland had just scored a touchdown, and leading the Buck’s 7-0. I greeted the family, and invited son-in David to watch the game.

With the score 7 to 7, Jennifer (daughter number two) arrived with most of her family, carrying in enough food to feed India. I instantly thought to myself, “It’s really strange to have both daughters visit at the same time?”

A couple of hours later, JR (son number one) arrived with has family. I knew right then, my birthday was going to be great. The Buckeyes were now leading 14-7 and all the kids were home. It doesn’t get any better than this.

I’ve told my kids that they really don’t have to bring me presents anymore, because I have everything I need, and if I don’t I’ll go out and buy it.

Of course they never listen to their father, so they always shower me with gifts. I’m going to be the best-dressed golfer in Florida this year.

Ohio State finally beat Maryland 49-28.

Ginger and I worked in the Fritter booth on Saturday night of the Pumpkin Show. We closed down around 9:00 p.m. something. We then had to tear down and clean the carnival trailer that we used on loan. Just about everyone chipped-in and we were home by 10:00 p.m.

The surprise birthday party, with ten of our friends came to the house, and we shared food and drink. The stories soon began, and we laughed until after 11:00 p.m.

I helped Ginger with a few things, and then turned on the TV to see how the President Cup was turning out in Korea. I didn’t get to bed until after 3:00 a.m. Congratulations to the US team.

As I ponder the day’s events. It was easy to count my blessings and give Thanks to God. It was a great day to be 70.

This week’s bottom line: The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.
Helen Hayes