Many universities ask applicants to submit a brief paper that answers the fundamental question: “Who are you?” Have you ever asked this question of yourself? In the last two years, I have. My reasons are clear to me and easy to share.
I was too busy doing my thing and never thought of “self” reflection. Instead, I was only trying to answer and confront the problems and issues of the moment.
Since moving into a senior living environment (it will be three years in December), Lenette and I have been going through experiences we never had. Beyond family, we never related to the aged until we arrived here, and now they are our life. We’ve made friends and many acquaintances, all from worlds different than ours.
We are good listeners, so what we’ve heard from seniors comes from a place we have never been. Rarely shocking, but certainly interesting. However, it does not appear that the question: “Who are you?” is much of a consideration for most we’ve met. As a matter of interest, I might be asking this question to those I feel most comfortable with.
Since moving here, many friends, people I worked with, campers, and former staff have visited us. How wonderful for us to be with them, to share old “war stories” and such. We listen, talk, and learn so much about who we are to them.
I think my following paper will share what people have to say about who we were to them. Mercy, we have certainly learned much. You should consider asking yourself the same question. You’ll learn lots.
Sy
