Saturday, April 24, 2010

Three score and ten!

When I awoke this morning and discovered I was still alive, I knew I had done it. I had reached three score and ten, as the book of Psalms puts it - I was now 70 years old. I remember a friend telling me that one day, saying..in spite of his emphysema..that at least he had reached his allotment of three score and ten.

I seem to be in considerably better health than he was at the time, though I do make do with a pacemaker to keep my heart beating and a plethora of prescription medicines, along with a handful of vitamin supplements, to keep everything else working. Of course, the drugs cause other problems . . like thin blood, swelling on the bottoms of my feet, a weakness in my right leg that usually prevents me from walking or standing for a period of time, some weird type of skin ailment that causes intense itching and red spots, and the like. But still, I am alive.

This comes as a great surprise to me and to many who have known me. I recall making contact with an old friend from my college days after some 40 years and her first comment was "My god, are you still alive?" SWMBO has been convinced for decades that either my smoking or drinking or other bad habits would cause me to succumb. I was pretty sure, as were my parents, that I would not survive an emergency operation for a ruptured appendix when I was around 12 or 13 years old. But still, after 70 years, I am alive.

What a wonder that is when so many friends and relatives have departed. One good friend left me less than a week ago.

So what advice can I give, now that I have reached an age where I can feel free to offer advice? Stay curious, see the doctor, take your pills, listen to your wife. If you smoke - stop. If you do all of these things, perhaps you will also make it to three score and ten and beyond. And you won't wind up looking like I do at this age.

17 comments:

  1. Congratulations.
    I'm a decade and two behind you.
    I don't know if I'll make it.
    I don't know if the world will last long enough for me to make it.
    I quit drinking in '92, smoking in '94. I'm overweight and the doctor is concerned about plaque and cholesterol. I'm on three meds.
    Aging sucks. Bodies should not wear out. They should just expire all at once.

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  2. Good on you, Cat. May you live to a hundred.

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  3. Gregj - Hang in there, my friend. I quit smoking in '91 but still drink and I eat mostly unhealthy food, except when SWMBO is watching. And, as I said, here I am.

    Steve - Thank you for that evil wish, pal!

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  4. Happy Birthday and many more. I hope you have a wonderful day.
    ..........:-) Hugs

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  5. Happy birthday, Cat!! Wow, the big 70! And my hubby's mother was born the same day but in 1912.

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  6. And a happy, happy birthday to ya, Cat, with many more to follow! Especially seeing as how you are a mere pup.

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  7. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, but mighty glad you're still with us, Cat!

    Many happy returns...

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  8. Happy Birthday Catalyst! Many more to come! I heard Madonna's (were around the same age) green coconut milk is antiaging! Here is your horoscope for the year;http://www.thestar.com/horoscopes/article/798346--horoscope-for-saturday-april-24-2010 Hey Barbra Steisand is only 2 years your junior! We're all getting there! Have a great year and many good years to come! Let us know your secret! (to happiness of course!)

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  9. Thanks, Lucy.

    Chiccoreal (Jane) - Thanks. My secret? Good food, good drink.

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  10. what a card you are!! even with all the dreadful side affects you sound like one happy fella :) reading through a few of these posts i can understand what you may not see...you are valuable and a wealth of wisdom! thanks so much for taking the time to share your life with us :)

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  11. Now Sheri - You must be careful - you may make me blush!

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  12. I rejoice in the fact your are still here with us.
    Gom is 73, & beginning to wonder if he had outstayed his welcome. We have many tricks still to perform Cat!! Many Happy Returns!! Hugs from hereXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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