SEVEN-O

It's after midnite...so I'm officially 70 years old. Actually, I was born about three in the afternoon onthe 25th.

My children and grandchildren have feted, gifted and loved me. I am so blessed!

A few random thoughts. I supposed some people would think it strange...odd...that I could be so happy on my 70 th birthday...doesn't that make me officially old? Well, let me tell you...not many people in my lineage have lived to see 70. My family has not been known for longevity. On my Shepherd side, I think Uncle Troy, who was 78 when he died, was the oldest. His father, brothers, sister, grandfather, for several generations back, all died in their 60's. On Granny's side...Fitchpatrick...Granny lived to be very nearly 82. She died just a month before her birthday. She had one sister, Dora, who lived to be 90...all the rest of her family died in their 50's and 60's. Dad was 67, Mom was 69 just six weeks before she died. Oh, there was one other person...Grand daddy's sister, my great aunt Polly...lived to be 90 something.

As I look at this...and recall all those I knew who died younger than 70...I think the Lord for allowing me reach this great age. With granny living to 82, Mom to 69, me to 70 plus...and my birth father lived to 84....there's hope for longevity for my children and grandchildren...so I'm celebrating!

Now I just have to find someone to plant all these flowers for me! I absolutely love flowers...and the perennials will be here to enjoy for many years, if I can get them in the ground.