Today is my 75th birthday. So far, it's been fantastic! I've spent the past year kind of working up to it. I was born on December 18, 1938. I remember saving bacon grease in a jar on the stove during World War II. I remember being in elementary school and listening to General MacArthur's "Old Soldiers Never Die" speech.
I was in Atlanta and South Florida in the 70s doing civil rights work that was so scary we could have been killed but back then we thought we were invincible.
I have lived a long, interesting and, dare I say looking back, impressive life. I hope the planet has changed a wee bit for the good because I've been around.
I have four children of whom I'm enormously proud, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. I love my children's spouses.
I love and respect my brother like crazy. Likewise his wife and daughter. And now I share Dave's beautiful family. All together our kids, spouses and grandkids number 27.
I have friends whom I love like crazy. The closest ones keep me centered and sane.
I have important work. I have a deep faith.
And, despite the fact that you are sick of hearing it, I am wildly in love with Dave. I can honestly say that, after being here for 75 years, I am the happiest I've ever been. I'm the most fulfilled I ever been.
And I have more to share.
My son shares my birthday. Tonight, along with other family members, we'll have the ultimate celebration. I say that even though I just came from a celebration. Here is a photo taken at our last family get together in October. That's Scott who is 51 today, and me (did I say I'm 75!) In Scott's arm is his grandson and my great grandson, Max, who is zero years old. (Dave's in the background.)
Life goes on. I no longer feel invincible. But I do know that there's much more to be done, much more life to be lived and loved.
***
I was in Atlanta and South Florida in the 70s doing civil rights work that was so scary we could have been killed but back then we thought we were invincible.
I have lived a long, interesting and, dare I say looking back, impressive life. I hope the planet has changed a wee bit for the good because I've been around.
I have four children of whom I'm enormously proud, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. I love my children's spouses.
I love and respect my brother like crazy. Likewise his wife and daughter. And now I share Dave's beautiful family. All together our kids, spouses and grandkids number 27.
I have friends whom I love like crazy. The closest ones keep me centered and sane.
I have important work. I have a deep faith.
And, despite the fact that you are sick of hearing it, I am wildly in love with Dave. I can honestly say that, after being here for 75 years, I am the happiest I've ever been. I'm the most fulfilled I ever been.
And I have more to share.
Life goes on. I no longer feel invincible. But I do know that there's much more to be done, much more life to be lived and loved.
***
