A great 90th birthday party
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
Eugene, Oregon
January 25, 2016 10:52am CST
No, not mine, I have a few years to go. This one was for my poetry professor/teacher at the University of Oregon. It was attended by his wife of 47 years and even by his former wife, whom I had never met. About fifty other former students and friends were there too. His name is Ralph and he still writes six hours a day and has published many books of poetry and memoirs as well. I think he is currently working on a novel.
Ralph smiled and sat through many well-wishers' readings of limericks and short poems about him, then recited one of his recent poems from memory and it was not a short one, proving, along with his memory of names, that he is still a very sharp human being.
There was lots of food, wine and laughter. I am so glad we went.
18 people like this
21 responses
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
25 Jan 16
It really was great to see him so at peace with his life and still living it so fully.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
26 Jan 16
@JamesHxstatic It still seems odd to me to be equated with limericks - I'd never done any until 2 years ago
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
26 Jan 16
@jaboUK Yes, but you do them so well!
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
25 Jan 16
Right, @jabo, it was great to see him so alive and serene. I thought of you, in fact, since some people composed limericks to read.
3 people like this
@celticeagle (166970)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Jan 16
It sounds like it was a very nice time. A person who has made it to the age of 90 should have such an event. He sounds like quite a gentleman.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
25 Jan 16
He is a great man and has lived a good full life.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (166970)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Jan 16
@JamesHxstatic ....That is just wonderful.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (218839)
• Walnut Creek, California
26 Jan 16
@JamesHxstatic Sounds like an enjoyable gathering. Were you an English major at U. of Oregon?
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
25 Jan 16
There were a number of local poets I know there, though no one I studied with.
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
26 Jan 16
Yes, it gives all us older guys hope for certain.
2 people like this
@hellopeeps (403)
• United States
25 Jan 16
Can I ask what it is like to reach that age? Also, congrats and wonderful happy birthday
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
12 Feb 16
Im 89 and it just l ijke being sixty or seventy except your body ages but my mind is just as good as ever
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
25 Jan 16
Well, as I say it is my friend and professor who turned 90 and he seems to still be very much alive. I hope I am the same at that age.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
26 Jan 16
Yes, it was such a good event to attend.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (82798)
• United States
25 Jan 16
Happy 90 yrs young to your professor. Glad you had a good time at the party
2 people like this
@sherryericha (1806)
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
25 Jan 16
Sounds like a wonderful party.
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
26 Jan 16
Parties like this one are delightful. It is great to see someone you care about doing well.
2 people like this
@nottoooldtowrite (2715)
• Philippines
26 Jan 16
And there I was, at 33 years old asking where my youth has gone. Wow! He sure is living life to the fullest. I wish him well.
2 people like this
@alchemistrx (2547)
• Philippines
26 Jan 16
He is living a good life, still in tip top shape.
1 person likes this
@jillybean1222 (6407)
•
29 Jan 16
what a wonderful celebration! my favorite college professor was my poetry teacher, Dr. Valk.
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
27 Jan 16
My father will be 90 this year. His mind is still good. Unfortunately his body is showing its age. He had a stroke Four years ago. His speech is the most noticeable lasting effect. We look forward to celebrating 90 years in November.
1 person likes this
