I Made 70

Here in Louisiana, people have a lot of different phrases for things than what I was used to. Coming from the Midwest, I naively assumed everyone in the United States spoke the same, but that’s not true. Each area of the country has their own accent, their own pronunciation of words, and their own words or phrases.

One of the different phrases I hear down here in Louisiana is the term “Tommy made 5 today”. That means it’s Tommy’s fifth birthday. They don’t say “he turned 5” or “it’s his fifth birthday”; they say “he made 5”. I always thought that was a funny phrase until today.

I made 70 today. I don’t feel like I turned 70. I don’t even feel like it’s my 70th birthday. I feel like I made 70.

When you make something, you put your efforts, your creativity, your heart and your soul into making it. When you’re finished, you’ve accomplished something. I’m feeling like I made 70. I put a lot of effort into making it this far. There was a time in my life when I was having a lot of heart problems where I would have bet you I wouldn’t see 50. Look at me now! I made 70! I worked hard to make 70. I poured my heart and soul into it. I had to be a little creative at times, but I made 70.

When you make something, it’s an accomplishment. I’m pretty proud I made 70. It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had a lot of tough moments in my life, but I’ve also had a lot of really good moments, as well.

As you may know from reading my previous blogs, I was considered “Suspect for Myasthenia Gravis” when I was in my 30’s. Although I was displaying symptoms, none of the known blood tests could confirm a positive diagnosis. I chose not to pursue any treatment or further testing at the time due to insurance reasons. In fact, it actually went into remission and I had only mild symptoms for many years.

About a year and a half ago, I came down with COVID. Shortly after getting over COVID, my MG symptoms reappeared and got markedly worse. Last December, the diagnosis for Myasthenia Gravis was confirmed. It seemed like I waited a very long time to finally get diagnosed, but that was God blessing me with all those years of reduced symptoms. Nowadays, my symptoms are worse, but the meds are helping immensely. What I learned through that process was to always trust God. He has always taken care of me and will continue to do so.

I made 70. I never thought I’d see the day, but I made it. Suddenly that phrase “he made 70” makes more sense to me. I didn’t just turn 70; I made 70. I accomplished something.

Statistics say I don’t have that many more years left, but I’m not afraid of that. God will call me home when He determines the time is right. Instead, I choose to focus on how much more I have yet to accomplish. Each year, I want to say “I made 71” then 72, then 73 and so on because I actually earned it.

I want to make my birthdays, not just have them handed to me.