Today, I turn 70 and I’m happy. To be truthful, as much relieved as happy, perhaps more so.
Fifteen years ago I was sure the end was near, I was miserable in many ways, a damaged lower back which surgery didn’t cure, lousy osteoarthritis in the right hip, a mild stroke, and frequent and sustained bouts of depression where I went for days without speaking to anyone. On a few occasions I did think about a self-induced end but fought off the thought each time by telling myself how selfish it would be and how unfair to those close to me.
Then a recovery of sorts, a more positive outlook and disposition, a new calm, a new tolerance of self and of others and the understanding that the heart must rule. Fifteen years on, I’m still here.
I don’t travel these days, only in my mind. I still walk in the Black Forest, look down on the Vale of Kashmir with the white giants of the Himalayas rising behind, see Japan at cherry blossom time and watch the dawn break at Uluru.
With the love and support of family and friends and with kind light, moon and/or candle, behind me I intend to go on for a few years more.
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johnpoetflanagan 
Happy birthday John, I hope this year may be full of good times and great memories. ๐
Rebecca
Thank You
May I wish you a very happy birthday, John, and take a moment to say how grateful I am for having had the opportunity to get to know you through your writing. I fully empathise with the bouts of depression that you have suffered and, whilst I appreciate that they never truly leave, having a focus (and learning to read the signs) helps. Personally I always try to remember that there is always one more corner to turn, and having those I love close means the world. I genuinely wish you all the very best for many years to come.
Chris
Chris
Thank you for this finest and warmest of responses, it means a great deal to me, it truly does.
Happiest of birthdays to you John and here’s to many many more โค
So kind, so so kind
Thank You
Brother John – I’m glad you had a change of heart fifteen years ago, otherwise I would have never known you. Although I’ve never met you, I feel I know you as a brother and you are one of my most valued friends. You have been a true inspiration. Hang around at least another fifteen years.
Brother David
i’m very moved by your message
Thank you, Brother
Love to You and Diane
Always
Hi there John, Happy birthday and congratulations on reaching 70 You have the secret to survive and I for one know all about that. If it’s any consolation I too have had to become strong after fighting .T.B. at the age of 30, have osteoporosis in my spine,recently fell down the stairs but fortunately no bones were broken, have diabetes which also brings many other problems. However, I celebrated my 84th birthday last week. It is as you say John we are thankful to family and friends who are there to help us through these bad times. Keep your positive thinking John and you won’t go wrong. Enjoy life.
Rita
Thank you for this beautiful response and CONGRATULATIONS on reaching 84 – Fantastic!!
You’ve certainly been through the mill and are a true survivor.
Again, Thank You
Happiest of birthday wishes to you, John!!! I love this post as it mirrors so many thoughts, so many similarities to my own life.
I am happy that you are here…and I love to read about all those places you travel…no matter how you get there! ๐
Much love and beautiful blessings to you ๐
Lorrie
such a warm response and from the heart
Thank you for your great kindness
Much love
john
I didn’t realise that you had to overcome so many challenges John.
Your words are an inspiration to others.
Well done and welcome to the over 70’s club.
Rod
Rod
Thank you
and thank you for welcoming me to the club
Happy birthday !
๐ฆ๐ง๐จ๐๐ฐ๐๐
Thank you thank you thank you
You’re welcome. Enjoy.
Happy birthday!!!!! I sure am glad you are still here. ๐
So warm and kind
Thank you
Of course your situation has been harder on you, John; but our current lives have parallels. My wife broke her hip. resulting in the arrival of a terrible pain syndrome, then massive anxiety and depression. For the last five months I have become a 24 hour a day caregiver. It has taken time to adjust, but I feel quite peaceful now. I wish you the same. Larger thoughts arrived viewing the eclipse. Below is what a chance for wider vision produced.
I hope it also conveys best wishes for continuation of your remarkable life. For what it’s worth I lost absolutely everything including prospects in my mi-fifties. But both life and I readjusted. I started writing exactly at the age you are now. In two months I’ll be 85.
Your mind and spirits, your gift with words are there for you. Use them to the benefit of all of us.
Charlie
Conjunction
On a beach in Oregon
We awaited the arrival of
The Great American Eclipse
After countless predictions
Of a life-changing experience
I felt numbed and suspicious
Life was vivid enough in a
Goggled family on the beach
Exuding high spirits
Even as daylight dimmed
I doubted anything momentous
Then I saw and swear
I heard a cosmic click
As the moon locked onto the sun
Eyepiece of a giant telescope
I could look through it
Into different, indescribable space
Peaceful, unitary and definite
It spoke of possibility and resolution
To a world muddling in doubt
Iโd seen joining not obscuring
In a minute a flash
And I had to look away
Yet what I saw lingered
An arc of millions serially
Experiencing the same moment
Feeling the same power
Lives changing in unison
Forming a chain of hope
Now the hard part
No more sit and gape.
Charles B. Neff, 8/26/17
Charlie
This is an exceptional response and i’m honoured to receive it.
You and your wife have certainly known pain and misfortune and yet you have pulled through and are pulling through – such courage!
Conjunction is a fine work, without doubt fine, no argument and i delighted in every phrase and thought..and i love the ending, love it.
Thank You Charlie for everything and at 85 or indeed at any age you are special
Happiest Birthday to you and so happy you found your way out of the fog. All the best to you and happy for you~
Cindy
Thank you so much, thank you
Much love to you
john
In two weeks, my husband will go through the same transition – and I’m glad both of you are still here and kicking.
Do keep it up.
Thank you Alicia
and i hope your husband’s transition is a happy one
My best to you
john
I’m not all that far behind, but I hope we’re all moved into a retirement community by the time I hit it in two years.
Nice!
So good to see your name pop up in my inbox this morning and grateful to learn you are experiencing a new acceptance of life borne of age. I turned 74 this month and know the feeling. A poem I wrote a number of years ago, now in video poem form, probably best expresses this. My birthday gift to you, John. May there be many more.
https://karenstephen.com/2017/01/07/flight-of-the-soul-a-video-poem-for-recovery/
Karen
Such kindness and generosity of spirit
Thank You. i
‘ll certainly read the work
Much love
john
So many of us love you and your words of wisdom. We celebrate your life and we are thankful for the gifts you have shared.
May this year bring life-soothing peace.
Myra, Friend
Warm and generous as always
and always my support
Thank you.
Much love
john
What can I possibly say except that I adore you with all my heart and am grateful for you. You are a warm, comforting light. Though we are far apart, you seem so close. Stay that way.
Gina
You are glorious!
Thank you, Lady, thank you
Always
john
There are no privileges to be found within the bounds of decades we journey as time is a relentless mistress and we are her indentured slaves. It is only a few fellow travelers that make the trek a voyage to be savored. Thank you for the major contributions you’ve made to my voyage John. They are among the honorable and notable entries in my life’s journals. Ever your friend, Jon Michael.
What a wonderfully scripted tribute to a friend
Thank You, Jon My Friend
Ever Your Friend
john
Happy Birthday, John! Growing old is such fun, ain’t it? I hit 70 a few years ago – still dancing.
Thank you.
Not as bad as i thought it would
be, Noelle
in fact not bad at all
Big hugs
john
Many happy returns, John!
May the best of your last year be the worst of your next year!
Thank you, thank you, thank you
happy 70th.
I’m 51 and having difficulty with my weight.
some days I feel 61.
cheers, Gavin.
Gavin
Thank you.
Hang in there, Friend, 50 is the new 30
even if some days it doesn’t feel like it
Watch that weight!
Oh, jf, Happy Birthday!!! I’m thankful to read and feel the fight in your words. You’ve been missed so very much. Lovely to hear from you. โก
Audrey
Thank you so much, always here for me
i appreciate you deeply.
Always
jf
La Mulศi Ani !!!
Thank you very much
Happy Birthday John or Penblwydd Hapus. With the sights you have to remember you can go on for years yet and allow others to see those sights through your eyes word by sculpted word.
Hugs
David
Thank you, thank you so much
for your most generous words.
Reblogged this on Ace Friends & Bloggers News.
Happy Belated Birthday John … Glad your ๐ disposition has surfaced and here is something to say it all ๐ sorry you can’t eat it ๐ or unwrap it … Anyway another milestone passed and on the path of happiness again your a real โญ๏ธ …Ian ๐
Ian
Thank you so much
and a thousand thanks for the reblog
You are kindness itself
My very best to you
john
Truly welcome John ๐
So glad you made it John! Happy Birthday ๐ ๐ต๐
Chronic pain without relief is so difficult to deal with. The pain colors how we see the world, gets us down and makes it tough on those around us! I’m so glad you are happy, and the world is worth being in again. xo
Val
Thank you for your beautiful words
so warm and positive and encouraging
i know things have not been easy for you either and
i hope there’s improvement
Big hugs
john
Thank you John. My hubby is in remission and life is hopeful for the future once more. Let’s all make the most of each day and stay present to what really matters ๐
BIgs hugs, Val xo
May all be well with you, Val, and with your husband
๐๐๐
Great and comforting news, my dear John! You are blessed in that you can write of and see what most people couldn’t dream of. Love as always.
This is the finest of responses and compliments
Dear Lizio
Thank You
wonderful we had that telephone conversation yesterday, just wonderful
Much love
john
John:
Long time no “see”! I generally say, “Here’s hoping that all is well in your camp” but I think I know the answer ….
Duke
Great to hear from you, Duke,
Drugstore Cowboy
May the sun be gentle on you every day and the rain and wind
the kindest they can be.
Always
john
Happy belated birthday, John, and I am so grateful your mind shifted years ago into a more positive outlook. I’m sorry though that you’ve endured so many challenges, but I have no doubt that you will not lose momentum now. Take care, and continue to bless us with your beautiful writing.
~Lauren
Once again
Dear Lauren
My heartfelt thanks
John, happy belated birthday, happy 70th. Wishing you many more happy returns. I’m happy too to read of your peace and happiness, and the love of family and friends. Thank you for sharing your past struggles, your overcoming them with a positive attitude gives me strength.
Hugs,
Halim
Thank you
Halim
for the good wishes and for this very warm response,
i appreciate it deeply.
You are a fine person and i’m glad to know you
Big hugs
john
I shudder to imagine a world without you, dearest friend, poet, beautiful person, John.
I could never see you giving in or giving up, you are stotally honest with yourself. You are wonderful – always have been and always will be.
Angela, Friend
Thank You not just for this but for all the times and for all the years of our friendship.
Thank You
With much love
john
John it’s really wonderful to read you again. You’ve been away too long! I hope you are well and that life is treating you good. Sending hugs and well wishes! Holly
Thank You
Dear Holly
thank you so much. Always a great pleasure to hear from you
Big Hugs
john
It’s my pleasure John, big hugs back.
Wishing you the best, John. I will be reaching for 80 next year.
Time goes by รขยย faster than greyhounds.
Bruce
Thank you, Bruce
and looking forward to your 80 – well done!
I’m going to be outright selfish here, John, and confide that “a few more years” just will not do! I felt saddened as I read your words though enlightened and inspired by the positive turn in your thoughts, your perspective.
You have a marvelous gift that demands its sharing. For friendship, the art of words and knowing, embrace a story so beautifully told and grace us long in its telling. My best to you as always.
Thank you,
Don
you are more than generous and kind.
Your support means a great deal to me.
Always
john
You’re most welcome my friend. Take good care.
Don
Thank You
May your coming year surprise you with the happiness of smiles, the feeling of love and so on. I hope you will find plenty of sweet memories to cherish forever. Happy birthday.
Mihran
Thank you so much for your very gracious good wishes
My best to You
john
This is so beautiful, John, and inspiring too! In so few words you’ve described the essence of life and the true spirit of moving on. Have a great Christmas month ahead… ๐ (Wishing a happy birthday will be too early for the next year ๐ )
Thank You
Maniparna
Thank you so much
you are more than gracious and generous
My very best to You
john
My pleasure… ๐