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. 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. ShoutOutsUntil next week, wishing you all peace and love,
mar
45 Comments
Gail Sobotkin
8/30/2017 08:22:19 am
Happy 70th birthday, Henry, and thanks for sharing this beautiful and touching, blog, photos and music.
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:35:41 am
Thanks Gail.
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Sunshine
8/30/2017 09:19:47 am
Happy Birthday, Henry!! :)
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Henry
8/30/2017 11:02:45 am
Thanks Sunshine
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This is a lovely story of your brother and his wonderful family. It's so difficult to realize our loved ones have reached this point in their lives, a point that I once considered as old. My sister also turned 70 this year and that is a milestone. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into those people who have helped shape your delightful outlook on life. Love you. Hugs.
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Henry
8/30/2017 11:03:20 am
Thanks Peg,
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Good afternoon, Henry and Maria
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Henry
8/30/2017 11:04:04 am
Thanks Martie
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Alice and Jim Brogan
8/30/2017 10:00:05 am
As Jim also turned 70 this year, your blog was doubly touching! What a gift you and Maria have! Keep writing.....
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Henry
8/30/2017 11:04:35 am
Thanks Alice
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Mike
8/30/2017 10:11:46 am
Happy birthday, 70, that is a milestone. Those aches and pains are real. Seems Miss Sammie's music influenced you also.
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:36:30 am
Thanks Mike.
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Kathy
8/30/2017 11:13:50 am
Wishing you a very Happy 70, I enjoyed your writing,and your song picks. You are a talented brother and lucky to have Maria for a baby sister!
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:37:26 am
Thanks Kathy.
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Henry...I am honored to meet you! Any brother of sweet Maria's is a brother of mine...(I hope that's OK with you!)
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:38:07 am
Thanks Paula.
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8/30/2017 06:08:40 pm
Happy 70th Birthday Henry! I enjoyed reading Maria's big brother's story. Childhood doesn't seem that far away when we remember it. But look at all the things that happened between then and now! Keep on moving in the right direction...
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:38:51 am
Thanks Verlie.
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Happy 70th to your brother. :)
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Dear Cynthia,
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:39:30 am
Thanks Sageleaf.
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8/30/2017 10:16:56 pm
Aww, that's just sweet. The apple didn't fall far from your family tree, Mar....thank you for sharing this wonderful message...so much love!
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:40:18 am
Thanks William.
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8/30/2017 10:39:02 pm
Happy anniversary to Henry and Jane!
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:44:15 am
Thanks Angelia.
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Dear Maria and Henry,
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:45:27 am
Thanks Sannel.
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Lesley
8/31/2017 10:22:12 am
Happy Birthday Henry! Thank you for sharing this beautiful read and your photos, loved the music too. Best wishes to you and Maria.
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Henry
9/1/2017 07:46:12 am
Thanks Leslie.
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9/2/2017 12:38:34 pm
Happy birthday to your dear brother Henry. We share the same high school graduation date and ripe old age. Time certainly flies!
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