Dateline Dayton — Yesterday was my 70th birthday. I really don’t feel any different today than I did yesterday, or for that matter the day before yesterday. Actually, I still think of myself as young, although I don’t have the energy I did years ago, but I’m 70 and still have most of my hair, although it’s really getting gray.

I contend my gray hair is not result of my age, but was caused by five children. Pauline’s hair turned gray years before mine, probably because she actually had the five kids.

Now I must admit to getting up a little slower, especially when I must get into the bottom drawer of my file cabinet. Instead of just getting up, I’m looking for something to grab hold of, to help. So what? I’m seventy? Aren’t I entitled to a little help?

People are always saying they would like to be younger. Not me!

The Joy of Contentment

I’m very happy with my age. I thank God for the good health I enjoy and being able to do the things I enjoy. Our children are raised, we still worry about them and every once in awhile, they even present us with one of their life’s problems.

Sure, Pauline and I wish we could solve all their problems for them; however, we can’t, and that’s how they continue to grow and mature.

It’s nice having ten grandchildren. It would even be better if we could see them more often. I guess we should again count our blessings in the fact that none lives that far away. It is just that they and their parents have such busy schedules.

None of them has five children, and somehow we managed between sporting events, school events and church events to see our parents on a regular basis. It appears each of our children is in his or her own world and we must be in outer space.

To celebrate my birthday, Pauline took me out for lunch and we had tickets for the Dayton Dragons baseball game in the evening.

It was cold and rainy all day, but when we left for the game it wasn’t raining. Actually the sun came out for a short period during the game. It was cold, though, just like the Dragons, losing 4 to 1 to the South Bend Lugnuts.

During the day I heard from three of our children and my sister also called. Madison, Jon’s youngest daughter, called while we were on the way to the game, as she was with her dad at her sister’s soccer game. She wished me a happy birthday, told me the game was tied and that Julia had just scored a goal.

When we got home, there was a card in the door from Madison and Julia and inside there was a dollar, which I will spend wisely.

Lisa and her family left a message on the phone and even sang Happy Birthday.

Pauline had purchased a cake, so we ended the evening with cake and ice cream prior to my going to bed.

Pauline made it a nice day for me, especially since no one at work even realized it was my birthday.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net