mar's Desk

Henry Couchara on Turning 70

8/30/2017

A few weeks ago I received this post from my oldest brother.

I’m not ashamed to say I burst into tears (in the best of ways) when I read what Henry had written.

With no further ado, I invite you to check out my talented brother for yourself...

It’s official, I’m the first guest writer for my sister’s blog.

I haven’t had anything published since 1965. As a sports writer for KENIKO (The high school newspaper for Bishop Kenrick High School), I covered the football team. I’ll forget about the 5 W’s today and try not to bore all of you.

The topic for today is what it feels like turning 70. Our mother Miss Sammie always told me to enjoy life today because the older you get the harder it is. Mom forgot to tell me about the aches and pains that happen every day.

Growing up in Norristown PA, the largest independent borough in the USA, as noted from my civics class, things were always simple. We went to school, came home to deliver newspapers, sat down with Mom to do my homework. On weekends I’d ride my bike to Elmwood Park to play baseball, in the winter I’d go with my Uncle Leo to the bowling alley. I never thought about guns, being mugged, child predators, or the bad things that happen in our society today. It feels like we are heading in the wrong direction.

You don’t see as many couples staying together as in the past but Jane and I have been married 50 years. I still don’t know how she has put up with me all these years but through the ups and downs of life we have managed to stay on the upside. The fact that our children are productive, our puppy Teddy is so loving and our grandson Henry W. keeps us busy with baseball, basketball and soccer makes our relationship stronger each and every day. As a family we are going in the right direction.

(Left) Wedding day!

(Top) Jane, Henry W. and I enjoying the company of dolphins.

We had a birthday party this past June for all of my classmates from Bishop Kenrick Class of 1965 who are turning 70. It was great to see all of my friends and talk about the past. We were the first hippies who let our hair grow. These hippies turned into Doctors, Judges, Police Chiefs, Accountants, Teachers, Bankers, and many other successful careers. I was glad to be a part of the outing and can say that my classmates went in the right direction.

I know my sister always includes music in her blog and I won’t disappoint all of you.

The first tune makes me sad every time I hear it but “Angel Baby” by Rosie and the Originals remind me of the little girl Jane and I lost at birth.

Next we have “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & the Pips to
remind me of the summer vacations our family spent with our relatives in Georgia.

Finally a song that really emits memories “Mama” by Connie Francis. Just hearing the lyrics “until we are together again” says it all.

This was fun, thanks for reading, and let all of our lives go in the right direction.

Hoping your 70th birthday is as wonderful as you, dear Henry.

Mom would have been proud that you inherited her talent for writing and that you continue to live your life in the right direction. I know she is celebrating you today in heaven.