On past birthdays, I have shared pictures of meals enjoyed at fancy restaurants, or the steak house at my local casino. They were always very celebratory.
This year is different. Turning 83 today, I am in the process or recovering from lung cancer surgery which removed the upper lobe of my left lung. For details on my cancer experience, you can check out my Page – My experience with lung cancer.
This year, the celebration was seriously subdued. Because of my surgery, I am still at a very low level on actual energy. I manage to walk the dog three times a day, just under a mile each time. That’s it. Otherwise, I am reading a book, watching TV or on my back in bed.
I am fortunate that here in Chicago we have a Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant. My girlfriend ordered in and we had an abbreviated feast in my dining room. Part of my recovery is that besides my energy being low, my appetite is also subdued. I enjoyed Joe’s excellent fare, just an abbreviated version.
On a further positive note I got a very nice phone call from my son, Andy, who lives in Tennessee, a retired policeman. We had been estranged for one reason or another for about 50 years, but he phoned a couple of weeks ago because he had heard about my cancer and was concerned. He called again today to wish me a happy birthday. We had a second really good conversation and plan to get together when he comes to Chicago next month.
Last, but not least, my daughter, Kate, called. She lives in Texas and is in the midst of a job search. She also played Florence Nightingale for me when I had the surgery, sitting in my hospital room till visiting hours ended. Her company made a painful, challenging 36 hours significantly less so. She also went to my apartment and walked my dog three times a day for me.
So, I had a lovely low key family-type celebration that ended up just perfect. Two weeks into surgical recovery, I simply don’t have the strength for much more.
Tony
Health Secrets of a SuperAger 
So glad you had such a great birthday, Tony! And I think it is amazing that you are walking a total of 3 miles a day. This is going to really help your recovery!
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Thanks, Red. One day at a time. One step at a time. BTW, the doctors were very pleased with my dog walking, too.
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Happy birthday, Tony! So glad to read about your family coming together to share time with you to celebrate your birthday and recovery! Time together is a gift for the heart and soul. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for you and your family,! As my Swedish Aunt Sylia would say, “Skol!” 🤗
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Thanks, much appreciated!
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Happy belated Birthday!
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Happy belated birthday, Tony! 🎂 Sounds like you had a pretty good day, all things considered! Time spent talking with your family and a nice dinner with your girlfriend sounds like a fantastic birthday! Walking your dog is also one of the best things you can do for both of you. Keep that up! As Hippocrates said, “Walking is the best medicine.” Just remember to have patience. Slow and steady wins the race every time!
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Thanks, Rock. I agree with you completely.
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Dear Tony,
I believe this is the most meaningful and happiest of all the birthday celebrations that you have shared with us. Wishing you a continued good recovery and all the best in the coming year. Thank-you for all the inspiration you so freely give.
Sincerely,
Penny
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Thanks, Penny. Glad you think that.
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Tony, keep blogging about your progress. Please document your activity and your diet as you recover, it will help all of us who read your work. Prayers, Dave
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Thanks, Dave. Good suggestion. I truly feel like a babe in the woods in this current situation. Recovery from surgery is a very real experience.
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Happy Birthday, Tony. And many more!
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Thanks, Paul.
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Hurrah! You’ve just launched on another trip around the sun, Tony, and I’m betting it’ll be quite the journey this year. Sounds like you’re on the road to recovery with lots of support from family, friends and your devoted readers.
Happy Birthday! May you enjoy many more trips around the sun in good health. 🙂
Jenny
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Thanks, very much, Jenny. Much appreciated!
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Happy birthday Tony!!
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Thanks, Raj.
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That is wonderful about Andy . There was a great scene in the Johnny Cash movie where he reconnects with his father and says something so heartfelt. which i wish that I had written down
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Thanks, Jeanne. I agree with you. When he first called a couple of weeks ago, I said, “Who is this?” and he said, “Your son.” The first time we had spoken in over 50 years. Anyway, we had a great conversation – with no recriminations. This second call was a very happy surprise. Hope you are getting great weather in the sunshine state. It’s brutal here.
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Thank goodness for this reconciliation. So good for both of you.
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Thanks, Rachel. You are so right.
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