50th Birthday

Well, I’ve been asked to record my thoughts concerning my 50th birthday, it was today.  

I guess I should say that there are some things that need to be stated prior to beginning my thoughts of today.  First, L came back yesterday from her trip to DC.  It was a rather eventful trip for her, especially the last day and in particular the last few hours of the stay in DC.  Her conference ended on Tuesday and she was able to spend some time with my sister, G, and my mom.  It’s been two years since we have seen them.  On the way to the airport on Thursday, L asked G if they could go by the Marine Corps memorial in Arlington.  Seeing as we have two boys in the Corps and I share my birthday with the Marine Corps, she thought it would be good to get some pictures there.  Pictures she got, right up to the point where she mis-stepped on the stairs, twisted her left ankle badly and sprained her right knee.  She called me right away and I suggested that she get on the plane and see her doctor here rather than try to reschedule her flight and see a doctor there.  She had to get through Reagan National, Chicago and then Wichita and two planes.  She managed, though she endured some severe pain.  We went to the Immediate Care clinic as soon as she got home, x-rays were taken, pain meds administered and braces and wraps applied.  The x-rays were read this morning, no breaks.

When we got home last night, I had a package on my doorstep from a very good and close friend, a token for my birthday and something for Linda.  Linda had already given me my “big” birthday present, my GPS receiver.  She brought more home with her, a denim Marine Corps shirt, a crank flashlight and a CD with topographic maps of several National Parks that can be downloaded into my GPS.  Maybe we’ll have to go hike them now!

D called first thing in the morning, 6:30.  I guess it was only fair since we had called him last week at that same time for his birthday, he was 22.  My sister G called and wished me happy birthday and asked how L was doing.  My very good and close friend from above called and wished me a happy birthday and was glad that I liked the contents of the box.  S came over about noon and brought me a gift from her and her husband, a couple of nice polo shirts and movie tickets.  My mom called, my youngest sister called, another good friend called, my ex wife called, M2 and M called.  I heard from all of my kids today and all but one of my sisters.  My dad called over the weekend.  We ate pizza for dinner, watched TV, which is still going on, just taking a break while L explains all of this to her boss and explains why she can’t go to Oklahoma City tomorrow.

Today was a good day to turn 50, even if everybody thinks I’m old!!
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