Get Your Kicks On Route 66

I don’t think I’ve ever been on Route 66, but I’m about to start my 66^th year and I hope there are still some “kicks” left in store for me.

Because my birthday falls on January 9^th, I often count it as the beginning of my new year.  One thing you get used to with an early birthday is people NOT being in a party mood.  After all, you’re asking people to celebrate on the heels of one of the biggest party seasons of the year.  Most people are ready to take a break; many are on diets or in the throes of giving up one bad habit or another, while others don’t have the energy to brave the cold for a night on the town.

In spite of that, I’ve had some pretty spectacular birthday celebrations. (My 50^th comes to mind…) This year, in addition to feeling old, I’m coming off a yearlong struggle to recover from knee replacement surgery. Just as I was about to turn the corner, I suddenly had to deal with another issue -- a diagnosis of Stage One Endometrial Cancer. Fortunately, after surgery, I am now FREE of all signs of cancer.  I am extremely lucky to be able to forgo radiation or chemo. Early detection was key. I take credit for not ignoring signs and following up, but most of the credit goes to my Doctor of nearly 40 years. His call for surgery ultimately saved my life.

This is a short and sweet blog post, some seven years after starting this in my 59^th year. I often wish I could be more disciplined and productive, writing more than Facebook (FB) posts. Sadly, I find “shiny objects” very easily distract me, as well as invites to Starbucks, and my long-running Scrabble games.

That brings me to my use of FB. I am thankful for what it provides-- the means to stay in touch with friends from childhood, college, work/VA, the old neighborhood and the many people I’ve met through my post-retirement volunteer work. I see it as “my village square”.

And today my village was out in force, thank you, friends and family, for your support this year and for the birthday wishes on my 66th.  I know there has been an abundance of ill will in the world, yet I am routinely touched by the kindness of friends...and strangers.

I’m just saying.