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Topic: Old Age, I decided, is a gift. (Read 236 times) |
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Sandy_C
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Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
« on: Feb 25th, 2008, 2:07pm » |
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This was sent to me, and it says it all as far as I'm concerned.
I thought I would share it with you.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.
I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love . I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set .
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, 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, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Sandy
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Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
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Guiseppi
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Re: Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
« Reply #1 on: Feb 25th, 2008, 2:42pm » |
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I loved it, Dad always said, "old age is a gift denied many!"
Guiseppi
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Why are all sensors, seeking intelligent life, pointed AWAY from earth?
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BarbaraD
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Hugs to ya
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Re: Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
« Reply #2 on: Feb 25th, 2008, 4:38pm » |
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Thanks Sandy -- that just made my day.... and expresses my sentiments totally....  Youngun's take things way too seriously...
Hugs BD
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What don't kill ya, Makes ya stonger!
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Mosaicwench
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Find joy in your day
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Re: Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
« Reply #3 on: Feb 25th, 2008, 5:02pm » |
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Works for me!
Becoming your own friend is a joy, indeed.
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The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter. ~Author Unknown
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Peppermint
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Work it out baby!
 
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Re: Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
« Reply #4 on: Feb 26th, 2008, 11:38am » |
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In light of recent events, I can honestly say I agree with the subject line... and enjoyed the message.
Better enjoy life while you have it!!
Pepp
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You like apples? How ya like them apples?
When playing in the gym, beware of steel beams. - M. Amyx
Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble. - Charles H. Spurgeon
FYI - I am NOT a clusterhead.
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