70!

/ edebock

Today is the day that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time… my 70th birthday! When I was diagnosed with my first cancer nine years ago, I didn’t expect to live to see this day, but here I am and it feels like a victory!

Months ago, I began to think about what I wanted to do to celebrate this milestone. Being an avid traveler, the first thing that came to mind was a trip. I visualized us packing a suitcase and climbing aboard a plane for the first time in over three years. Where would we go? The possibilities were endless, but Newfoundland was high on my list. We’d explore its rugged landscape, visit isolated coastal villages, and eat our fill of fresh seafood! Yes, Newfoundland was a definite possibility.

Then came hubby’s cancer diagnosis and the all-important consultation with a specialist to determine whether or not he’d be able to have surgery was booked for October 4. So, we’d be in Edmonton, not Newfoundland or some other more exotic location. The iconic “going to Winnipeg” ad that used to air on Canadian TV came to mind.

Oh well, there are lots of things to do in Edmonton. I looked into booking a hot air balloon ride as that’s been on my unwritten bucket list for a long time. We’d enjoy the fall colours in the river valley as we drifted silently over the city and then we’d sip champagne when we came back to earth. Unfortunately, however, the hot air balloon season closed last week! I’d have to think of something else. 

Then came Covid and even the long awaited doctor’s appointment had to be postponed. So here we are at home, doing nothing but watching rain fall outside the window! Earlier in the week, I felt pretty depressed about the lack of a plan for celebrating this special day, but we’re both feeling better and we’ve put in our five plus days of isolation. Regardless of where we are (or aren’t) and what we’re doing (or not doing) I’m 70 and I’m excited to be here! 

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Now, what will I do with the rest of this day?

29 thoughts on “70!”

  4. Happy birthday, Elaine. What a testimony to hope and to God’s faithfulness. May you find many blessings today, and I do hope that celebration trip comes along 🙂

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  9. Happy 70 th birthday! I turned 70 three years ago. My husband wanted the three ( our daughter) of us to go for dinner, but I wanted a party. We invited all of our close friends along with my quilting friends for a Sunday afternoon happy hour from 2-5. It was a beautiful sunny day. No gifts and no cards, just hugs. We had the dining room table filled with cheese, crackers, wine and beer. I am so happy that we did it because we had covid in the spring of 2020 and that was our 50th wedding anniversary. We did not see anyone. I’m sorry that you could not go to Newfoundland, but you will one day soon. You are with the one you love and that is all that matters. I got to go to Newfoundland this summer to see my family who I had not seen in three years. It was so emotional for me. Enjoy every minute and keep your dreams of travelling again, they will come true. Happy Birthday! Cheerio Valletta

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  10. Congratulations! I am 777 but cannot believe it.
    My husband turns 82 on Friday so we are celebrating this week too.
    I hope you hear from many friends and have a great day!

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  11. Happy Birthday and many blessings for the coming years.I did most of my overseas travelling after I turned 70 going to India, China,England and all the Pacific Islands.Now Im pushing 81 I am enjoying my own country of New Zealand.

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