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mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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Henry Couchara on Turning 70

8/30/2017

45 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
(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.

​ShoutOuts

☙ When you are unqualified, but compelled to perform via Martie’s Foyer
☙ Change of Taste via On Story Street
​☙ Sad Society In Some Ways via  Fireside with Rolly

Until 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.
Blessings & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 03:56:30 pm

Thanks, dear Gail - great to see you as our first visitor.

Love and hugs to you, Maria

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:35:41 am

Thanks Gail.

Reply
Sunshine
8/30/2017 09:19:47 am

Happy Birthday, Henry!! :)

Reply
Henry
8/30/2017 11:02:45 am

Thanks Sunshine

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 04:00:01 pm

Great to see you, Sunshine.

Reply
Peg link
8/30/2017 09:21:31 am

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.

Reply
Henry
8/30/2017 11:03:20 am

Thanks Peg,

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 04:13:24 pm

Thanks, dear Peg. I know what you mean - our ages seem surreal.

Lucky we are all young at heart!

Thinking of you lots these days. Love, Maria

Reply
Martie link
8/30/2017 09:57:43 am

Good afternoon, Henry and Maria

This is one of those surprises that reminds me of my childhood - when my favorite cousins unexpectedly arrive at our grandparent's home where the entire family in the vicinity used to gather for coffee on a Sunday afternoon.

Nice to meet you, Henry, and may the 70s be your best years ever.

It is always good to know that there are still people going in the right direction.

The photos in here are are most certainly highlights of a success story we all like to read.

Warm hugs from South Africa 🎶💓

Reply
Henry
8/30/2017 11:04:04 am

Thanks Martie

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 04:19:00 pm

Your comment is beautiful like you, Martie.

Love you lots and thanks, mar

Reply
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.....

Reply
Henry
8/30/2017 11:04:35 am

Thanks Alice

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 05:45:21 pm

Happy belated birthday to Jim, dear Ali.

I hear "70" is the new "40"... ;)

Love you lots, Maria

Reply
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.

Maria - This was a terrific idea.

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 05:47:23 pm

Thanks, dear Mike.

Henry did all the work with this one and I enjoyed his musical selections greatly as well.

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:36:30 am

Thanks Mike.

Reply
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!

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 05:48:30 pm

Aw thanks, dear Kathy - you say the sweetest things.

Love ya, Maria

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:37:26 am

Thanks Kathy.

Reply
Paula link
8/30/2017 11:22:53 am

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!)
I wish you a very "Happy 70th. Birthday," and Thank you as well, for assuring me that my 70th, coming up soon, is a reason to celebrate with gratitude. I am in awe of your happy, loving nature!
What a wonderful, caring and very joyous family the Couchara Clan is! God Bless you. Paula

Reply
Maria link
8/30/2017 05:53:19 pm

Hi Paula,

I suspect my brother(s) would love having you in the family - I know I already do ... :)

Thanks for your warm comments and have a great evening.

Love ya and hugs, Maria

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:38:07 am

Thanks Paula.

Reply
Verlie Burroughs link
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...

Reply
Maria link
8/31/2017 05:51:14 am

So happy to see you, dear Verlie. Your good thoughts are most appreciated. :)

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:38:51 am

Thanks Verlie.

Reply
Sageleaf link
8/30/2017 10:06:16 pm

Happy 70th to your brother. :)
Lovely, lovely post. How wonderful that you and your brother can do this - that is priceless. And the beautiful memories that he shared, as well as the great selections of music. My cup is full! It's interesting what life would have been like for folks 30 years older than I am now, 20 years, 10 year and even 5 years. Every age group has distinct experiences and interestingly this post made me think of today's Millennials. They are coming of age in a tough job market and in light of your brother speaking about the different careers folks pursued in recent decades are so different now for these young adults (having recently worked with so many of them, I have this on my mind). Sure, we'll have the doctors, lawyers and teachers, but it's going to be so interesting to see what they will do in a world prone to climate change, technological advancements, and income inequality. Such an interesting post this was: it made my mind come up with all sorts of thoughts. :)

Reply
Maria link
8/31/2017 05:54:30 am

Dear Cynthia,

The ultimate compliment of someone's writing is when the reader is left with food for thought. I'm sure Henry will love to see how his work has impacted you.

Thanks for your visit - I am late (but eager) to check out your last couple posts.

Have a peaceful day. Love, Maria

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:39:30 am

Thanks Sageleaf.

Reply
William Holland link
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!

love
bill

Reply
Maria link
8/31/2017 05:55:40 am

Aw, thanks Bill! I thought this post would be right up your alley.

Love,
Maria

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:40:18 am

Thanks William.

Reply
Angelia S. Phillips link
8/30/2017 10:39:02 pm

Happy anniversary to Henry and Jane!

Second, Henry, thank you for the guest post! I loved it!

Prof. Mahreer, I'm way happy your brother agreed to step to the plate of first guest-writer in the family. He knocked it outta the park and I sincerely enjoyed the read!

Reply
Maria link
8/31/2017 05:57:25 am

Dear Webmaster Ange,

Thanks for making Henry's work shine with your skillful abilities.

Thanks also for your supportive comments. Love ya, mar

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:44:15 am

Thanks Angelia.

Reply
Sannel link
8/31/2017 06:49:36 am

Dear Maria and Henry,
So nice to meet you, Henry! I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful post, looking at the photos and listening to the music. I can see that the love of writing and music runs in the family. My brother also turned 70 this year, that sure is a milestone. :) And just like you he's still young at heart and enjoying life and family to the fullest.
I wish you a very happy 70th birthday, Henry, and many happy returns of the day with your beautiful family.
Thank you for an inspiring read!

Love and big hugs to both of you,
Sannel and Sweden

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:45:27 am

Thanks Sannel.

Reply
Maria link
9/2/2017 08:20:56 pm

Dear Sannel,

So many wonderful folks turning "70" this year - glad your brother is also enjoying his life in every way.

Sending you and Freddie love and hugs, Maria

Reply
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.

Reply
Henry
9/1/2017 07:46:12 am

Thanks Leslie.

Reply
Maria link
9/2/2017 08:23:57 pm

Great to see you Lesley.

Reply
Peggy Woods link
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!

It is nice thinking back to those days when we could play outside until dark and not worry about child predators and the like.

I was a bit older than your brother when we married so we will be celebrating our 47th wedding anniversary this year. Congrats to his 50 years of sharing marriage with his beautiful wife. May they have many more years of shared happiness together.

Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your brother's life with us.

Reply
Maria link
9/2/2017 08:27:33 pm

Dear Peggy,

I'm glad you enjoyed / could relate to my brother's post. Thanks for your sweet remarks and visit.

Hope all is well with you and yours in TX. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Henry link
9/6/2017 12:44:24 pm

Thanks Peggy.

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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