Happy Birthday, Baby

On May 1, she will turn 70 years old and, I am not exaggerating, she is just as beautiful today as she was on the day I first met her. That was 50 years ago, and I swear she has changed very little. Boy, do I wish I could say the same for me!

What can I say to adequately describe her to you?

I fell in love with her at first sight and wanted very much to make her mine, but, woefully, she belonged to another. I did my best to get to know her better, but it became apparent that we could never have that relationship for which I so longed.

We parted soon afterward, and I heard by way of the grapevine that she belonged to someone new. It seems that some things are just not meant to be, and so I moved on too.

Oh, there were other short-lived encounters over the years, but as they say, “You always remember that first love.” I know I did. I imagine we all know the feeling.

As luck would have it, I recently saw her listed in a public directory! I immediately tried to connect with her to see if there were any old feelings that could be rekindled. One can only hope!

I was disappointed but not at all surprised to learn that there was a man in her life who loved her as much as any man could. Some things are just not meant to be, or are they?

Not long ago I learned of the passing of that “other” man. While expressing my condolences, I had a feeling that she was ready to move forward in life and put the past behind her.

Quite boldly, I made a premature proposal and, to my surprise and delight, she accepted. I had come full circle and could not believe my good fortune. We reunited, and she became mine on September 4, 2014.

She is still beautiful beyond words and, though she is elderly by many standards, still turns heads wherever she goes.

To me she is a stunning lady of grace and charm and is admired by all who meet her. She’s never one to judge the younger generation but always seems to quietly and graciously accept their admiration.

She has many names. Some call her J-3 or Piper Cub or just Cub. The FAA refers to her as N70215. I call her my “way-back machine."

Happy 70th birthday, and may you enjoy many, many more.