I’m compelled to write a paper having to do with “My” aging process. Maybe there’s a lesson for some others I stay in touch with and maybe not, but this is about me in any case.
I consider myself lucky. I will be 95 years young this coming December 5th. I’m feeling fine; I still exercise, read, write, enjoy being with people, and am very aware that time is precious. And that’s probably the main point I’ll try to make in this paper.
I have a sense of three very distinct parts to my life. That is what I’d like to share with you. The first is the present. It is where I live, spend much of my time, and try to be with each minute of the present. That means Listening as best I can to what others are saying. This is not easy since I wear earpieces, and the sounds in our dining room bounce off walls and resonate throughout the large room. I concentrate on what is said, not what I have to say. This is fine with me since I’ve spent a goodly portion of my life getting people to listen to me. So obviously, I’m learning Lots more about others and worrying less about what they learn from me.
The next important part of my life is my history. I DO NOT LIVE IN MY HISTORY but use it to explain the reasons behind my attitude and behavior towards most things in the present. I draw from my history as history and do my best to clarify that it is a resource I draw from, not to be confused with current events. I consider myself blessed to have excellent recall, and I use this in my storytelling.
Finally, the day will come when it is our final day. We all have a diminishing future. It is important to maximize each moment, and I do. Whether with Lenette, friends, my cat (Mia), or reading, eating and enjoying our snuggly bed. I fear not and know I’ve been blessed. So have most of us.
Please don’t interpret this as a premonition of anything. I feel I’ll be around and hopefully remain creative for a good couple of years. I’m still enjoying—so, why not?
Sy
Life is an unknown———So let it come as it will————–Today is our day.
