There’s some truth in Robert Browning’s poem, ” Rabbi Ben Ezra “. But “old ” in his day was about 45 ! In today’s world, in our great nation, “old” doesn’t happen until we let it. Some people are born “old “, and some die ” young ” , regardless of their chronological age.
But from my perspective, in my winter years, here is the upside :
—–I’m still alive.
—–I’m vertical.
—–I’m independent.
—–I have 6 young adult grands, who bring me much happiness and pride.
—–I have been married ( happily, for the most part ! ) for 62 years.
—–I play bridge a couple of times a week.
—–I am warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
—–I am wiser than I was 20 years ago.
—–I don’t hear as well; I don’t see as well; I don’t walk as well…..but it simply does not matter , as well.
—–I can answer about as many Jeopardy questions as I’ve ever been able to ; I have maintained a 99% success rate on Wordle ; I’m seriously competitive at the bridge table ; I write and people actually read and comment ; I can hold my own in political , educational, and theological discussions, and I only forget a few things , a few times.
Here are some of things that I am happy to have left behind : alarm clocks ; hair color ; dress pants ; high heels ; being careful with remarks and/or opinions ; balanced meals ; dressing before noon; ironing ; pretending to like everybody; panty hose ; cooking ; shopping ; schedules ; perms and settings; waist cinchers and crinolins ; our jean store ; pocketbooks ——and thinking that I had some sort of obligation to appease everybody about everything.
Here are some things that I enjoy about living this long : memories ; sneakers ; a broader perspective ; Gracie ; sweatshirts/ pants ; old friends ; young friends; new friends ; wisdom ; church ; re-reading much loved books ; technology; Roberts Woods ; respect ; writing ; pie from Main Street 211 ; naps ; leadership positions ; our housekeeper ; our yard man ——— AND AT THE TOP : Byron and our children and the six grands and all the family additions through the years and continuing. I can count my blessings and name them one-by-one.
” Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be “………………….for sure !
(COMMENTS APPRECIATED)
I LOVE this……and agree with you on so many levels.
Thank you. Have to appreciate all the seasons of life that the good Lord has given us !
Perfectly said! My old age is much the same, and I feel very fortunate to have a wonderful husband and a growing family that I love so much….and a dog named Gracie.
Thank you. We are blessed indeed.
The Third Phase of life has many good points for sure. One reason I am happy is that I live more in the present and I fell free to be myself. But I wonder why I ever was anyone else!
I will be glad to see you soon!!
Well said, BSS ! Looking forward to our lunch visit, too.
Love ya !
You nailed it!! Love your writings, but this is one of my favorites—- because, I see myself in your words!♥️
Patty Queen Wells
Thank you. So many of us as we age ( and you are younger than I ) can count our blessings, and , among those , are the precious memories that grow with the years ! I truly appreciate your comment.
Such a beautiful and honest perspective! I wish many others had the strength to view life through your lens! Plenty of wonderful memories left to make and share with loved ones. ❤️
I needed that and enjoyed it will help me know what to do with myself miss you Debbie
Thank you for your kind words———-and , boy, do I miss you ! Happy for you on your new journey, though, and loved the picture of you and that handsome man. Stay in touch.
What a sweet, sweet comment from our Will , so deeply thought and beautifully expressed. Thank you for caring, for loving, and for always–always—making me happy and proud. Love you bunches !
We are blessed to still be here, dear friend! Thank you for your lovely words.
We are indeed ! So very many people don’t have the opportunity. Love you !
Blessed indeed!
So true—–and thank you !
You pretty much summed up the vagaries of aging with humor and grace. Thanks, I needed that!
Thank you for reading and commenting ! For sure, aging is the best choice right now…..