OLD AGE
The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. As I had never thought of myself as being old, I was momentarily taken aback. Seeing my reaction, she was embarrassed, but I assured her it was an interesting question which I would think about.
And thinking about it, I will always be grateful - for the first time in my life -
I believe I am the person I have always wanted to be.
Well, apart from the old body that is! It’s a bit hard to take in sometimes - the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the belching. And what about the old fellah that lives in my mirror (who looks like my father!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my loving family and friends - and a wonderful life - for less grey hair or a flatter belly. As I age, I've become kinder and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't lose any sleep over the jam doughnuts or an extra spoonful of sugar on the cornflakes. And as for buying that silly cement duck that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on the patio, aren’t I entitled to a treat now and again, even it is a bit extravagant?
I have seen so many of my peers leave this world too soon; before they could understand the great freedom that comes with age. Whose business is it anyway if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4am and sleep until noon? Who should stop me if I want to dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50&60's, and at the same time, if I want to weep over a lost love .. So be it!
Despite the pitying looks from the six-packers, I can walk along the beach in a swimsuit that is stretched over a bulging body, and dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to. Come on, get a life, you too are all going to get old one day!
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But think about it, aren’t there some bits of life just as well forgotten? We all eventually remember the important things.
Over the years hearts can be broken: The loss of a loved one, or when a child suffers, even somebody's pet being hit by a car? But broken hearts are the things that give us the strength as well as the understanding and compassion.
We should feel blessed to have lived long enough to have grey hair, and to have the laughter lines of youth etched into deep grooves on our face. Sad for those who never had enough reason to laugh and died before their hair could turn to silver. We should remember them.
I don't question myself anymore. As I get older, it is easier to be positive. Why care about what other people think. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer the question, Yes, I like being old, it has set me free.
I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, no way will I waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about might be!
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