On Turning 70

On Turning 70

                                                                                    By: Carole Blake

How did this happen to me? One minute I’m learning how to ride a two-wheeler…and the next minute I’m filling out Social Security forms. I remember my Sweet Sixteen party at a beach club in Long Island where I grew up. And next month I’m having my 70th birthday party at a local restaurant. (This time I don’t have to sneak a sip of wine! Actually, I might just drink the whole bottle!)

As I look back on my life, there are certain milestones which stand out: moving to Long Island from Brooklyn in time for third grade; graduating from high school; going to college in Philadelphia; living and working in New York City at a film company; meeting my (first) husband and getting married; giving birth to my daughter and my son; writing my first song and receiving an award for it; being an executive producer of a Hollywood movie; getting divorced; meeting Larry who soon happily became my husband; dealing with the death of my parents; attending my children’s weddings; welcoming my three adorable grandsons; writing articles that were actually published; mourning the death of one of my closest friends; volunteering for 12 years as a mentor to 7 little girls who needed some extra help; trying Botox which –  instead of improving my looks – actually caused my eyelids to droop; and finally, accepting myself – lines and all – as a Senior Citizen. Now that’s living!

So…why do I sometimes feel blue? Well, maybe it’s because I realize that it just can’t go on like this forever! And then I ask myself, “Why think that way? Why not enjoy every minute of every day?” And so then I don’t feel so blue! I have a blast playing tennis with my friends, and lately I’m hitting the ball harder than I have in years! I still love writing songs…and I’m still good at it! I’m writing this piece…right? And it’s not half bad! (No need for the reader to comment here!) Larry tells me every day how much he loves me. That’s not half bad either! OK…so I have a few (several) lines in my face. Who cares? Larry tells me that I’m beautiful. (Maybe he needs new glasses!) I’m lucky that I can still fit into a dress I have from years ago…size 6. Last time I was examined by a doctor I got a pretty good report…so no complaining there. I have fantastic friends who are supportive and loving, one of whom I’ve known since I was 2½ , and being an ‘only child’, that really means a lot to me.

Will there be new things to try in the coming years? Will any of my (hundreds of) songs turn into hits? Will I travel to new and different places? Will I enjoy romantic dinners at nice restaurants with my handsome husband? Will my grandsons enjoy my company as they’re growing up? Gosh…I hope so! 

So now…after thinking about all of this, today I say, “Come on SEVENTY??? BRING IT ON!!! I’m ready for the next chapter!