My first blog was about “Ed”. I published it on November 19, 2017. It was my first attempt at writing for an audience. It was about my friend who turned 100 years old that day. He turned again yesterday. He’s 105. No matter how long I live, I’ll never meet another man like him. He just keeps on keeping on. He lives a simple life, and it’s served him well.
He hasn’t played golf since he broke his hip a couple years ago, and he uses a walker to get around. But younger men, and women, have done the same.
I called Ed yesterday and we visited a bit. Every time we speak, whether it’s at a poker game, or on the phone, he tells me he reads and enjoys my blog. I enjoy writing for him. Most of my recent stories have had a somber tone. I’ve been writing about losing Ruth while doing my best to honor her memory. Writing about Ed is a celebration.
During our phone conversation he recounted his last poker game with the guys. He admitted he had a run of bad luck and went through all of his cash early in the evening. He dug into his “emergency stash”. He cashed in a $100 bill one of his bosses gave him back in the day for emergencies. Ed retired in the late seventies, so I’m not sure his boss thought being down in a poker game was an “emergency”, but Ed did.
His son, Craig, cashed the bill for him. Craig knew it was special. By the end of the evening, Ed was able to buy the bill back. He’s probably stuffed it back in his wallet for another decade.
He and his family went out to dinner last night. If the Common Grill provides a birthday discount for its customers, they’re going to owe Ed some money. Five percent of his bill to be exact.
I asked Ed if there are any secrets to his longevity. His reply was, “Not really. I try to keep my nose clean and take one day at a time.” That’s good advice for all of us.
When we met, Ed was ninety years old and to tell you the truth, other than the walker, he doesn’t look much older than the night we met. I guess good looks level off after a while.
Happy birthday Ed.