Today is my 76th birthday!
Wow, how did I ever get this old?
Never in my whole life did I think I would live this long.
I have already outlived most of my friends. Thank goodness I still have Bill, who turned 89 years old in September.
Thank goodness I have new friends like my blogger friends like Pat, Spo, Ray and many others.
I am so thankful for the life I have had.
Like all of you who are reading this blog, I have had my ups and downs. But considering the very humble beginnings I came from and my average intelligence (I was a B student in high school and college), I've done pretty good.
Of course I started life with several major advantages being born an American citizen, a HUGE plus in this world.
I was also born white and male and tall. More advantages. Now don't anyone take this the wrong way, I'm just stating a fact and you all know what I mean.
But I was born with several major disadvantages. I was born gay, a fact I new I was 'different' when my brain began first working and figuring things out. This happened when I was four years old. I know that for a fact because I 'knew' before I went to first grade.
Another major disadvantage was that I didn't have much encouragement growing up. My father consistently put me down so much so that I was pretty much totally beaten down by the time I joined the Army when I was eighteen years old.
Joining the Army was the best thing that ever happened to me. Got me away from home and caused me to strengthened my self confidence.
Then after I got out of the Army I met the love of my life, Bill Kelly.
 |
| Me and Bill |
Fifty-three years later here I am entering my 77th year on this planet.
I have this fabulous friendship with my Canadian Travel Buddy, Pat.
I have a great part-time job.
I live in a fabulous house in a diversity friendly state of Delaware.
My health is good for my age. I have survived prostate cancer. Several bouts of kidney stones. I'm managing my arthritis. My brain is still functioning relatively well and I still have hair and that hair isn't snow white.
Yes folks, life is pretty good and I am so thankful. With Thanksgiving coming up I have so much to be thankful for. I've had a good life and I continue to have a good life.
Have a great day everyone!!
