Summing up Seventy-Four

Today is my seventh-fifth birthday. It’s just another day. It’s just another year.  But somehow it feels different.   I’ve been around for three-quarters of a century—that’s a long time.

I’m lucky in so many ways.  I still have the love of my life with me.  I have great children and grandchildren and I’m happily employed.  Although I have a knee that is not my own, my health is excellent.  OK, last week, the eye doctor said my eyes are showing signs of aging.  But so is the rest of me.

Over the past year, I’ve come to see myself as an older person.   A 70-something reader once commented that life is a conveyor belt, and eventually we come to the end.  It seems closer now. 

The other day my former boss was in town and he dropped by my office.  He is twelve years younger than I am, but took early retirement four years ago.  When he asked “What’s new?” I told him that I was about to be seventy-five.

“That makes me happy,” he replied. “I wasn’t looking forward to being seventy-five, but when I see you, I know it’s going to be OK.”

It is.

 

Comments

[Marc Leavitt]

Happy birthday, Judy:
I was one of those "I'm-going-to-work-until-I-drop" people, but after returning to my job for a while at 70, recovered from four major operations, I threw in the towel. Now, approaching 73, between reading, writing, and other activities, the days don't have enough hours.
Cheers,
Marc
Marc Leavitt's Blog

[Trientje Tippens]

Happy Birthday! I love reading your blog. I am 62 and will be 63 soon - you are an amazing role model. Didn't realize you are still working. You must really like what you do. Hope you have a really nice birthday celebration.

[Christina]

Sending warm birthday wishes from sunny Los Angeles. May the coming year bring you much happiness and good health.

I am so happy that I found your blog. Keep writing!

~ Christina ♥

[Liz Drahman]

Happy Birthday! I wish you many more with health and happiness.
Best, Liz