The BIG 70

How can it be? Where did the years go? I can’t be seventy, I was just sixteen last year! Who is that old person with gray hair in these pictures?

Alas, it is true. I am seventy. As the song goes . . .

And now the end is near
So I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case of which I’m certain

I CERTAINLY HOPE THE END IS NOT NEAR, BUT IF SO, THAT’S OK- I’M READY

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

I CAN’T SAY I’VE TRAVELED EVERY HIGHWAY, BUT I’VE SURE TRAVELED LOTS OF THEM- SOMETIMES MY WAY BUT SOMETIMES AT THE MERCY OF OTHERS

Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exception

WHO HASN’T HAD SOME REGRETS? AND MANY DAYS, MONTHS, YEARS I JUST KEPT DOING WHAT I HAD TO DO. THAT’S WHAT ONE DOES.

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

CAN’T SAY I PLANNED EVERY COURSE BUT I DID STEP CAREFULLY

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you know
That I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way

OH YES, THERE WERE TIMES! GETTING THAT DOCTORATE WAS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST THINGS I EVER HAD TO DO, AS WERE SOME JOBS I TOOK ON AND PEOPLE I HAD TO DEAL WITH. BUT I DID IT!

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
Oh, no, no not me
I did it my way,

THAT ABOUT SUMS IT UP. BUT WAIT – THERE’S MORE. I’LL USE A FEW MORE WORDS SUNG BY OL’ BLUE EYES

I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a king
I’ve been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself
Flat on my face
I pick myself up and get
Back in the race

AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I WILL DO. OH HOW MANY TIMES I’VE WANTED TO LAY DOWN AND DIE, AND THOSE TIMES MAY COME AGAIN BUT I’LL JUST KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON.

My Way Songwriters: Paul Anka / Gilles Thibaut / Claude Francois / Jacques Revaux / Jacques Revaux Adaptation De Paul Anka

My Way lyrics © Jeune Musique Ed., Barclay Eddie Nouvelles Editions, Chrysalis Standards Inc

That’s Life: Songwriters: Kelly L. Gordon / Dean Kay; Lyrics © Bibo Music Publishing, Inc.

Interesting content about 70

By Candy Schulman: https://www.aarpethel.com/fulfillment/i-just-turned-70-and-heres-what-i-finally-realize

Biblical Prophecy: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/understanding-the-book-of-daniel/daniel-9/

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/940857/jewish/Why-Is-70-Special.htm

Thursday’s Child: David Bowie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfOKDB0ChQk

Thursday’s Child Has Far to Go: TXT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93NhXVMMrPY

The Number Seventy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/70_(number)

Seventy years ago from Sunday a week ago October 1st, 1953, when I was born, came on a Thursday. 70 years from now October 1st will again come on a Thursday. Thursday’s child has far to go!

Do you have far to go? How do you feel about where you’ve already been? What do you think the songs, Bowie’s and TXT’s, imply about life? What day of the week were you born and do you think it has any significant affect on your life? Please scroll down and share your comments below.

15 comments

  1. Life – my friend, you have lived it well, with the strength and determination that you relied upon, and the joys that filled your heart with wonder. I have admired you for many years, and wish only the best of life, now, as you enjoy every new ” adventure”. Love you dearly!! We are not old…it is just a word!!

    1. Thank you my sweet friend. I know you’ve had your challenges too. How do people without faith make it? And you are right. Age is just a number, old is a state of mind and we are not there yet.

  2. Following an amazing two week National Parks vacation with my hubby, we came home with Covid and were isolated over my birthday. Have to admit there was a bit of a pity party to start. Shut in with a sick husband, not able to see family on my 70th birthday. However, our son brought flowers; friends called and messaged; received cards in the mail. This morning I realize it was just another day. I am so blessed to have the life I have and look forward to all the future might bring. As you quoted above “being old doesn’t seem so old now that I am old”.

    Happy 70th Birthday Dear Friend!!!

    1. Oh dear, sorry you were sick! I came home from Greece last May with Covid. Sounds like your family was wonderful too. And you’re right, in the big scheme of things birthdays are just another days. Here’s to both of us for many more days to come. 🙂

  3. Loved this blog and all the references to turning 70. The song My Way, is one of my favorite songs I play on the piano.

  4. Great beginning of new wisdom on Aging. We can look back and smile. The journey has been joyful most of the time. We have loved, laughed, and cried. Our cup runneth over.

  5. Happy Birthday!
    Don’t know how far I’ve got to go, but thrilled to be going.
    “I know where I’m going don’t you want to come too”. Judds

    Been there and done “that”. Believing that I have been forgiven by the Grace of God. Proud of who I have become, no looking back only up and forward.
    Andra Day – Rise Up

    Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I’ve got a beautiful feeling, everything’s going my way. Gordan McRae

    The best is yet to come.
    “I want to stroll over heaven with you”. Written by Carl L. Trivette, Recorded and sang by Allan Jackson.

  6. As the recent late Jimmy Buffet said…….. “Those wrinkles are where smiles were.” You are an amazing example of 70 my sis. Love, Bro

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