Columnist Tom Blake
November 22, 2024
(Photo by Michelle Rivera, aka Lady Hummingbird)
Part One – Champs Reply to Tom Blake 85th birthday party surprise
There were several responses to last week’s eNewsletter about my 85th birthday party. Here are just a few of them:
Florence, “Where has the time gone? I signed up for your eNewsletter 20+ years ago after the death of my husband a few years earlier. May the next 365 days be special for you.”
Marcia, “Your newsletter was filled with memories that allow your Champs to get a sense of your incredible life.
“You have taken your life experiences and turned them into something positive that will further enhance your life, and the lives of all the people you come in contact with. That is a gift.”
Tom’s comment: Those are extra special words coming from a friend I’ve known 59 years, going back to both of us growing up in Jackson, Michigan.
Ted, “Who says 85 is old? It wasn’t me, Tom. Welcome to the 86th year that we share (although I had a head start). You are a special guy to a lot of folks out there…and to at least one guy in Grosse Pointe Park, MI. I wish I’d been a fly on that wall on the 11th.”
Tom’s comment: Ted is a classmate from Jackson, Michigan, 60 years ago
Gloria, “A beautiful story about your celebration and special friends who came to honor you. It brought tears to my eyes reading about your celebration and memories of old friends. Many happy returns to a young 85.”
Neighbor Colleen Torres (who attended with Kresta Racker), “Love this article! It was a special day, indeed!”
Joel, a recent widower, “One of your best. I feel OK and am keeping busy with friends and constructive activities. You’re a good model for a life well lived”.
Sandy, a Champ I’ve known for 50 years, who is pondering relocating from California to the Midwest, said, “All opinions from you are received with an open mind! I’m not jumping ship soon!
“I liked the cameo on 60 Minutes about Wisconsin’s Door County “The Cape Cod of the Midwest” so much because of the obvious congeniality between folks of both political persuasions. One man said ‘We have the Midwestern nice thing going!’ Lots of artists and Chicago retirees. And, although it is a beautiful vacation destination, seemingly, also very low ( by comparison to California ) rents.”
Bruce, Ohio, “Happy belated birthday and it is great you have so many friends at this point in your life.”
Ginny, PA, “I especially loved this week’s newsletter. So many emotions were expressed.
“Thank you for giving us a brief history lesson about Veterans Day and your service to our country.
“I am proud of my Harry’s 39 years in the Air Force. On Veterans Day he leads several ceremonies: one at our Senior Center and another as a retired military member of his high school Vets committee.
“Pleased to hear you and Debbie could celebrate your special day with friends. Happy 85th. I am right behind you.”
Part 2 – A Champ’s poignant and timely comment
With all the threats and chatter going on in this world about WW III, Wil’s comment stopped me in my tracks:
Wil, Hawaii (a Victoria Station Restaurant Chain co-worker of mine in Oakland, CA, and Denver in the early 70s), wrote succinctly, “My wife Pua and I are on vacation at ground zero in Nagasaki, depressing place. All world leaders should come here.”
On Life and Love after 50 