It's a Wonderful Life

Indeed it is.
As I leave the first day of the new decade, January 1, 2010, I am, indeed, thankful for all my good fortune. Let me count the ways....without jinxing it, I hope.

Good health.
I will be 70 on April 7th. Yes, I do fall more than I like. And, yes, I do have aches and pains in my feet, legs, hips, etc. But, by in large, I am in excellent health. I walk a lot, exercise several times a week, and still can read the newspaper easily. Neither of my parents made it this far. And, both were in far worse health than I when they passed in their 69th years. My life had the good fortune of being during the hey day of good times in the U.S.. And I benefited from that.

Great Family.
This starts with two great daughters. And now, a great son-in-law. You all know who they are.
Mira, Sara and Victor. Just now, I got off the phone with Mira, wishing her a happy new year. And hearing all about her fun time in Key West after Sara's and Victor's wedding. It warmed my heard to see her sincere happiness for her sister. And, to see how much fun she has on her trips about. I enjoyed my life when I was her age and revel in seeing her enjoy hers.

The highlight of the year, decade and century, for me, of course, took place on the last weekend of the year. The whole weekend...
Starting on Friday with Sara, Victor and Victor's family. It was clear that they welcome Sara into their family with the same open arms that we welcome Victor into ours. Although I was unable to talk much with Victor's mother, Lolita, The joy in her eyes was clear in any language. I look forward to celebrating many more happy times with the Moscoso family.
I view the Hugo/Paula family as a model of what Sara and Victor might have together. And, what can I say, little Marianna captivated all of our hearts.

Then Saturday and the Welcome dinner. It was worth every penny spent on a good meal and fun times. A little dark and a bit cold. But memorable never the less.

Finally, the main event. Sunday's wedding. EVERYTHING....and I mean...EVERYTHING...about this was great. The setting, the words, the food....Everything was as good as it gets. I expected to cry. But, in fact, I did not. I got close when I actually saw them slip the rings on each other's fingers. One terrific thing about the event was that I got to share it with so many people who mean so much to me. Barbara, Bunny, Greta, Alvin, Jay, Sandra, my great friends, Bill and Francine Gemmill. Good times are meant to be shared. And share it I did...........
I might add that seeing Sylvia's family was also most enjoyable. Too long away from them. Hopefully, we will share more happy times together.
I doubt they will read this, but I want to also mention how much I enjoyed interacting with Sara's friends. My father was very popular with my friends. I hope I am similarly popular with Sara's.

The weekend ended on Monday - Wednesday visiting with my cousins, Greta and Alvin. Their hospitality was a joy to behold. And then to see motion pictures of me at 2 months old and my parents, sister and cousins as we all grew up together. A fitting finale to a memorable time.

New Family
It is rare that a person has the opportunity to add family at an advanced age.
But my marriage to Barbara has given me that opportunity. I share more than almost a common name with the Weinbergs. I share a common love. They have accepted me into their family like I was born there. The feeling is mutual.

Friends
Beyond family, one hopes to have good friends. And, indeed I do . I am saddened by the passing of Bob Silverstein. But, my Penn State friends make up for that. The Gemmills, Andersons and Shanks are my extended family. "Brothers" that I never had, Bill, Bob and Mitch. "Sisters" Francine, Nancy and Cheryl. The best thing about Penn State was not the degrees I got from there. But, it is the lifelong friends I made.

Even here in Washington, I gather new friends. Guide friends, NARFE friends, even neighborhood friends.
Indeed, Barbara and I are fortunate to be living a full and active life here in Washington.

So, in closing, let me return to my opening theme.....It's a wonderful life.
Indeed, it is. On into my 70's.

Alan at almost 70.