I woke up this morning and I did it! I turned 70 and I’m still going. Look out 80, here I come. Some may wonder why this is such a big deal for me. It is because I do not have a lot of relatives who have live to 70 and been as healthy and alive as I am. My mother and her sisters were afraid to get their heart beating by walking up a hill. They ate poor diets and suffered from heart disease and diabetes. I decide in my 40s that I would buck the trend. I did fairly well for quite a while. A few bouts of breast cancer didn’t get me. I put on too much weight because I became too sedentary when I retired, and I lived in the hot, muggy south for 6 years.

Two years ago, I lost my younger brother from a heart attack. It really hit me hard. I became very depressed and convinced myself that I was sure to follow him at any time. Every little twinge set me on edge. I had vertigo from sinus problems, but I was sure it was my heart making me dizzy. It was not a good time for me.

Somehow, I pulled myself out of it. I headed off to Weight Watchers. I started walking 10,000 steps a day with the help of my pedometer. I had hoped to lose 50 pounds by today. I only lost 20, but I am feeling very successful, anyway. I told Mr C that I feel healthier today than I did 5 years ago. I have more energy and more zest for life. I have plans and goals. I join many other women of my age who are volunteering, creating and living very full lives.

So, I have decided that getting old is not so bad. In fact, it is quite liberating. I get a kick out of being told by my young doctor, the checker at Cosco, the United Airlines clerk and many others that I do not look my age. But, believe me, this is not a family trait. Right now, I am feeling like a very lucky anomoly, but I will take it!!

I am so blessed with a husband who makes all things a possibility for me. A family that loves and cares for me and makes me proud, every day. Friends with whom I can commiserate, laugh, cry, create, critique, eat, drink and be merry. And a God who blessed me way beyond a young girl’s dreams.

And here I am today, Lisa calls this – headphones, computer, 70 and in the know. This is what I look like when I get up in the morning and I hope know one is watching!

Some of my blog friends created a birthday blog with beautiful and funny greetings. My bff, Terry, also posted a beautiful bit about my birthday, today. Thanks, to all of  you!! I will post more tomorrow about the great mail that arrived on Friday and the nice day that Mr C and I had yesterday.