I’M 80, I’M OLD—SOME ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS

First of all, please allow me to slip in an update about my newest novel.  When Heroes Flew: The Shangri-La Raiders is on track to be released July 13.  It’s a captivating tale of bravery, determination, and an unlikely love set against the legendary Jimmy Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942.

Next, since I published my “I’m 80, I’m Old” blog in January, I find myself on a much different path in life than I ever could have imagined a mere two months ago.  (Holes-in-one aside.)

Certainly at eighty, widowed, and not in the income category to be denied a stimulus check, I haven’t been added to Atlanta’s most eligible bachelors list.  Further, romance has never been part of my lexicon. 

For instance, I’m a thriller/historical fiction writer.  I would never consider tapping out a tale of une liaison du cœur.

Or would I?  (How’s that for a hook?)

Well, you’ll just have to wait awhile to find out.  As will I.  I’m thinking maybe mid-May, okay?

That, then, brings me to the key point I’d like to make here.  Yes, we grow old.  We slow down.  Body parts wear out.  Thoughts slip away.  We age.  But I’ve learned there’s something within us that doesn’t age—our emotions and feelings.

Something has occurred in my life which I’m not quite believing myself, one that has ignited emotions and feelings I thought died decades ago in my long-forgotten youth. And because I can’t quite believe what has transpired, I wouldn’t expect you to, either . . . at least until there have been some additional chapters written. 

I’m working on those.  Give me a month or two.  But I’ll toss out a little tease by saying that even in the world of over-the-hill codgers there may still exist magic.  Albeit it buried in the sediments of decades gone by and separated by the vast distances of a sprawling American continent.

14 Comments

  1. Jane Malley on March 24, 2021 at 10:36 am

    God Bless..You are a very good man.

    • Buzz Bernard on March 24, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you, Jane. Coming from the Bernard-family guardian angel in Phoenix, your comment means a lot to me.

  2. Edd Lawhon on March 24, 2021 at 10:47 am

    Good morning Buzz. I can’t wait for the Shangri-La Raiders to be published. I’m certain it will hold my attention just like When Heroes Flew.
    I believe I can interpret your “Hook”, because I am living proof of how quickly things can happen for “Old Geezers.” I can’t wait for: “The Rest of the Story”.

    • Buzz Bernard on March 24, 2021 at 11:08 am

      I think you understand very well where I’m coming from, Edd, because you’e been there. As a matter of fact, there may be more commonalities here than you suspect, since it involves a graduate of Sheri’s and my BHS class. I just can’t divulge any more at the moment. Thanks for your note, my friend.

      • Edd Lawhon on March 26, 2021 at 2:17 am

        I can only wish you the Very Best. I’m certain that Sherry will do he same.
        I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the “Next Chapter”. Thank you Buzz.

  3. Rick Bernard on March 24, 2021 at 11:23 am

    Silence…and counseling, is all I’ll add….at this point in our lives, it’s foolish to say “ be cautious”….and don’t get hurt 😢 screw that – please get hurt, maybe it simply reassures us WE ARE ALIVE, wonderful feeling! Will the plane make it back to the home base?….

    • Buzz Bernard on March 24, 2021 at 12:53 pm

      Thank you, my wise older brother. Just kidding, folks. He’s actually the baby of the family.

      • Sherry Hebestreit on March 26, 2021 at 3:02 am

        That’s awesome Buzz! Some things come to us in life when they are least expected! And yes, the body is falling apart this late in life, but loving or caring for another makes life worth living and enjoying again. Especially after the death of a spouse. Maybe God has something to do with this in His providence. Edd and I are with you and you are in our prayers. Our wedding is coming up May 8. Are you going to visit Portland soon? I saw Karlyn’s post.😁 Now I am really curious!!
        My curiosity is really peaked!

  4. Mary on March 24, 2021 at 11:25 am

    Happy for you.

  5. Holly on March 24, 2021 at 3:25 pm

    The magic is still there if we have the courage to see it. Wishing you happiness

    • Buzz Bernard on March 24, 2021 at 4:54 pm

      I hope you’ve found it, too, Holly. You’ve always been one of my favorite ladies.

  6. Bob Dittus on March 25, 2021 at 12:02 am

    No one needs excuses to put a little spark and adventure in an old warrior!
    This novel sounds like it’s going to have a happy ending. All the best, Buzz.

  7. Buzz Bernard on March 25, 2021 at 6:00 am

    Thank you, my newfound friend. I believe your comment may be right on target! May you find sparks and adventure in your life, too.

Leave a Comment