What do you get when you add 35 years and 70 years together? The answer is 105 years. The two ages represent significant milestones in a person’s life. One might say at age 35; there is so much more to learn. One might also say at age 70; there is so much you can teach the younger generation. The ages 35 and 70 vary in age range yet have one major thing in common; you are never too old to learn and make lifelong connections. You never lose the inner child inside of you, you are now a wiser person with more experience, and if you are open to it a lot more to learn. What two people recently turned 35 years old, and 70 years old this year you might ask? Myself and my father Charles Carter that’s who, two July birthdays two days apart July 6th and July 8th. When he turned 35 years old, I was two days old. Now that I am 35 years old, I am writing a blog about our lives. Talk about a full-circle moment.

In my 35 years of life five valuable tips I have learned so far are the following:

– Take advantage of the opportunities around you.
– Thank God for your blessings.
– Never stop learning.
– Always be self-aware and pray.
– God has a plan for your life.

Charles Ezzard Carter was born July 8, 1949, in Waverly Hall, Georgia. He was named after an African American boxer by a neighbor. Growing up he was the second youngest of 7 children. Turning 70 years old has been a blessing in his life. Charles Carter spent his 70th birthday in Memphis, Tennessee exploring and traveling the town. The trip encompassed all his favorite thing’s which are his family, history and Motown classics. When we stopped at a local diner in the city, I asked him a few questions he happily answered. In his 70 years of living, he has learned believing and having faith in God is very important. His greatest joy is being married to Grace Carter and the birth of his two daughters (Chernay Woods and Chernika Carter). The biggest life lesson he has learned thus far is to keep God first. He also enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. He would encourage the next generation by letting them know to keep God first, educate yourself, treat people with respect and to honor their parents. Charles Carter is truly a classic.

One hundred five years of experience and knowledge is such a blessing. There is also so much more to learn and experience in the next chapter in Gods incredible book of life.

Chernika Carter