The Joys of the 80s.

When I woke up today I was 81 years old. Well, officially I turn 81 at 3:30 pm or so my mother had told me. I’m headed out to meet my Jersey City friend, Carol, for lunch at our favorite Asian restaurant. We met when we were four years old. As adults, and living in different states, we always exchanged birthday cards. Our birthdays are eight days apart. I’m still amazed that she moved from New Jersey to live near her daughter who just happened to live a few miles from me.

My husband and I will meet our daughter and son-in-law for dinner at a seafood restaurant that has oysters for half price on Wednesdays. Jeannine and Tim married on my birthday 26 years ago. Double celebration.

As I write this post, my longtime friend and fellow nurse, Lois, is on the road promoting her second book, Marv Taking Charge: A Story of Bold Love and Courage. She has driven solo from her home in South Dakota to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later will drive to Chicago. Lois is a plucky 81 year old. (More about her journey in a future post).

Life continues to hold surprises, challenges and joy. Happy Birthday to me.

By Marianna Crane

After a long career in nursing--I was one of the first certified gerontological nurse practitioners--I am now a writer. My writings center around patients I have had over the years that continue to haunt my memory unless I record their stories. In addition, I write about growing older, confronting ageism, creativity and food. My memoir, "Stories from the Tenth Floor Clinic: A Nurse Practitioner Remembers" is available where ever books are sold.

View all of Marianna Crane's posts.

11 comments

Jane Van De Velde says:

05/03/2023 at 9:52 am

Happy Birthday dear Marianna! Sending Birthday wishes to you from Wash DC. Visiting here for a few days and remembering the time our paths crossed here many years ago.

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  05/03/2023 at 3:29 pm
  
  I well remember Jane. We had a mutual friend, Christa. Thanks for the birthday wishes. Enjoy DC.
  
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hardytardy says:

05/03/2023 at 10:33 am

I wish you many returns of the day!

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  05/03/2023 at 3:28 pm
  
  Thank you.
  
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Mary Beth Carrigg says:

05/03/2023 at 4:25 pm

Happy Birthday Marianne from Jersey City Medical Center Nursing SchoolAlumni who always reads your blogs and is also 81

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  05/03/2023 at 4:31 pm
  
  Mary Beth, Good to hear from you. Thanks for the birthday wishes and for always reading my blogs. Warm wishes. M
  
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Joan Moore says:

05/03/2023 at 7:06 pm

Happy Happy Birthday Dear Marianna! Sending hugs and wishes for a wonderful day and a joyful year ahead!Hope you understand StoLat! Much love!

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  05/03/2023 at 7:43 pm
  
  Thanks Joan. I did have to look up Sto Lat. 100 years seems about right.
  
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JParadisiRN says:

05/04/2023 at 6:20 pm

Happy birthday Marianna! Here’s to another trip around the sun, and many more.

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  05/04/2023 at 9:00 pm
  
  Thanks Julianna.
  
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