Countdown!

And here we go!
The countdown has begun. This is the final week.
I am already being reminded of that reality.
A couple of weeks ago I got my first (very early) birthday card. It was from a dear friend now living in Florida. In its note I was called "octogenarian" for the very first time.
Then today came an email, early this morning, starting off my day by reminding me that this is my last week in the 70's.
Today - two more birthday cards.
The countdown has really and totally begun.
Next Saturday I officially will enter the 80's.
And like so many of my peers I am wondering where the time has gone.
70 was a kind of quiet entry. That was the year of my retirement and that was the big event that year.
That's been ten years already - say what?
60 - Ah! that was a celebration. Took a group to France and celebrated the birthday with dinner in Paris. How sweet! And that was twenty years ago already - say what?
49 was a more memorable celebration than 50. That was the year of the Papal Visit to Detroit and so much of that year I was totally absorbed in my part in that event, so absorbed in fact that I completely missed the preparations that my parish (Precious Blood at that time) was making for a surprise birthday celebration - renting a hall, catering the event and even selling tickets right under my nose. Surprise, indeed!
31 years ago now! Say what?
And when we try to go back further than that, well things just sort of become a blur.
But now this countdown has begun.
The final week in the 70's!
For real?
Well, I guess the journey continues and one week from this day, I suppose that, according to Psalm 90, I get to prove that I am strong.
(And I know the Source of that strength!)