Turning 76

I used to think that people who were over 75 were very old. Being one of these old people now I have a change of heart. I know for sure I am slower but still get where I am going, quieter as I listen more - especially to the young folks who have much to say - and less judgmental as you accept many answers as all being acceptable.

On this birthday I was surrounded by all my family except number two daughter Darlene who was in Ottawa. It felt comfortable to be among the family where there were no issues that divide us but many common values that become the framework of our family. As we branch out and become inclusive and bring more people into the fold, we become stronger with our acceptance of new and exciting cultural ideas.

I feel that my life passed so quickly, and the remainder years will be filled with exciting new adventures, but there will be more looking back and cherishing the happiness received from belonging to a loving family and friends. I will have a strong desire to make sure that our young people know and understand where they have come from and the rich heritage they are so fortunate to share. I am still seeking information about my past and it helps me to understand why I am what I am. I don't mean to quote Moses but that statement by God in answer to Moses at the burning bush is profound by itself. "I am who I am."

I have a few wishes for the next period of time. The doctors  gave me a new back and I must lose weight to help in the healing process. I should begin a service to others by volunteering for a good cause. I must keep in touch with those who have made my life rich and exciting and share my joy of life with them. Finally I must advocate for Mother Earth and Mother Nature and make the world a better place in which to live. All these objectives will only be achieved with the help of my wife Theresa May.

Fun Day

Our family had a fun day on Saturday. We all got together to celebrate my 75th birthday and it was just what I wished for: a low key day with some food and lots of conversation. Everyone joined in and added to the fun . Instead of cooking this time we decided to order in Chinese food. We had enough to feed twice as many so my diet for the next while will be rice and something. I asked that there be no gifts at this get together but I did receive the best gift of all: the family all in one room gathered and presenting me with beautiful cards with well wishes, and words of just how I connected with them in years past.

I always make a point of writing on a card and not just signing my name and it seems to have influenced them to do the same. All these cards will end up in the memory box or boxes as we have filled one up already. It is a beautiful thing to take time and look back through a picture album or a memory box and read or look at the past. As time goes on you are able to appreciate the development of the family and smile to yourself when one of the group mention something that they feel is significant when at the time you were just being yourself. It reminds you that little ones pick up on your demeanour and record it on their minds eye. We are ever being watched and imitated so be aware of your duty as a role model.

Theresa added a special gift in her card when she slipped in a picture of a tropical beach and a cruise line ship in the foreground. It looks like a cruise may be in the future this winter. We love the cruises but the on shore visits are best. Maybe this year we will go through the Panama Canal. People say it is worth the effort.With the summer weather we are having and will continue to have for a few more weeks Theresa and I have been taking advantage of the conditions to walk several times a day and we will get a good report from our Dr. and we will get to Florida in February.

I must say that the last days of attention from friends and family have been wonderful and I appreciate it and realize just how fortunate we are to have such a network of good people. Thank you ever so much.

Day After 75

I have been asked by a few if it feels different to be over 75. The answer is yes. I realize that from this day I have a numbered amount of time to do all the things I have planned. I realize that three quarters of my life is over and I have to hurry to fill the next quarter with useful, interesting and adventurous times. I have thought of the cruel thing called time and I welcome the challenge to race foreword and fill every day with some measure of useful and constructive energy.

Theresa and I have so many plans and any reality check would say we will be hard pressed to complete our whole list but the challenge will be to fill our time without regret. Yes life will be different in the next 25 years but different is not a negative term but a positive signal that I had better get to work and start filling those fleeting moments with happy times.

Recovering

For the next 48 hours I had to get the poisons out of my system. I was on a diet of no food, no water -   no fluids at all. I had blood sampling every 2 hours and needles, more lines in my arms and neck but I could care less as I felt very sick. Nurses were great, changing my soiled gowns and keeping me cool with cool cloths on my head and frequent cool baths. They were also busy emptying the containers of bile and other stuff frequently.

After 48 hours I was given jello, water and cold tea. I was recovered. I could smile at my visitors and I even combed my hair. My son came to show me films of his son at flying school. I became less emotional.  Post traumatic stress took its toll on someone like me who cries at weddings and such.

That evening Theresa brought supper and Kraft dinner and sausages tasted great. I could not describe my hospital menu but who cared; I was well again.

Second Chance
The good thing about this event is that I have a second chance. I asked the Dr's to book me in for my spinal operation ASAP. The OR staff came to see me and tried to explain how this happened. For them it was the second time in their lengthy career. I will be given a battery of tests to check the problem and I shall proceed to complete the task I started. I have full confidence in the system, the nurses, the Dr's, and confident that this time I will get it done. Do I have fear? Yes, but not enough to stop me from becoming healthy once more.

Milestone

Yesterday we had a visit from our youngest grand child. He was the eighth and last I think but who knows these days. Troy rode up in his new bike which he got for graduation. We helped with the cost rather than buy a gift separately. He came just before getting ready time for his ceremony to thank us for the gift and explain why we were unable to attend. He was given five seat tickets and this accommodated the immediate family only.

Somehow he has grown up this year with muscles showing signs of development and a marked change in his voice. His ability to express himself sets him away from the silliness often associated with a 13 year old. After greetings to his grandmother and great grandmother we left for a game of pool.Troy said if I drove him home we could play for half an hour. We just began our game and the phone rang with his mom wondering where the heck he was . Mom was getting anxious. He explained and all was well.

This is the time when we talk one on one and share our inner feelings. With a little coaxing he revealed that he was sad to leave his school and teachers as well as his friends, He had a good year and played all school sports but more than that he grew up and accepted more responsibility for himself. For kids this age it means he finally kept his room tidy and helped mom. Theresa and I are very proud of this little fellow and look forward to his visits. Now that he will be in Secondary school this may change with his busy schedule and need to belong to the group. We will now have to share him with many others and new school activities.

Another milestone for Troy and an even more important one for us. Life has been good to us and my hope is that it will be as good for Troy.