pafret Loc: Northeast

"As I've Aged"


"As I've Aged"
- Author Unknown

“You ask me how it feels to grow older. I’ve learned a few things along the way, which I’ll share with you...

As I've aged, I've become kinder 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 many years ago, 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). May our friendship never come apart especially when it’s straight from the heart!”

saltwind 78 Loc: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

pafret, You forgot the best thing about aging, GRANDCHILDREN! They make it all worth while. I love them so much, I can't stand it!

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Yep. Good post, though.

bggamers Loc: georgia

I totally agree!!!!!!!!! Thanks pafret

boatbob2

Yep,Grandkids,and lost loves......

badbobby Loc: texas

you omitted the very real pain of that old rake
Arthur
I asked my Dr about arthritis coming and going(seems like mine just stays)
still when you awaken to the aroma of strong coffee and the loving face of your beautiful wife
then it all becomes worth while
gonna do my best to stay a little longer

goofball Loc: timbucktoo

The best, the best, all the best!

teabag09

Bobby, I've got uncle Arthur, two shoulders operated on and numerous other self imposed maladies that only get worst every year but you know what, I get up every morning and embrace every twinge as it reminds me that the Lord brought me through another night. Mike

pafret Loc: Northeast

What I miss most is being invincible, there was no task to tough for me to accomplish, no foe that I feared because, my safe space was wherever my foot fell. There was no end and the machine was scarred, sliced and diced but it was just part of the game. Overnight, I became mortal, all of my loved ones have departed, only my children and grandchildren remain. I too abide, there are things I have yet to do and obligations to meet.

I recapitulate my life, savor the joys and shed a tear in memory of the sorrows. I write my memories, to fix them in place, and to avoid boring others with mumbling over old bones. Each moment remembered evokes a mood, a feeling, a sense of wonder at the memories of youth, events and thoughts which passed without notice at the time but achieved iconic stature in retrospect.

The philosopher was right, "life is too short to drink bad wine".

teabag09

I wish I could say that as well as you did. I've written nothing down though my wife and daughter say I should. So far I'm too lazy, it would take too long. My life has been, from an early age, eventful and has continued to this day. Including a couple of newspaper articles of how at three years old I tried to electric myself, burn down my parents apt. and throw myself down a set of stairs. I relish every breath I'm allowed. I wish serenity to all and I will die happy fighting for the USA. GOD bless you and all of us . I think we are in a better place now with President Trump. Mike

teabag09

There was no end and the machine was scarred, sliced and diced but it was just part of the game. Overnight, I became mortal, all of my loved ones have departed, I am so with you there. I was Samson and saddening I was shorn. Caught me totally by surprise. Mike

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

When you read from the heart, it touched your own... Just as this did!! Simply beautiful..

An empath you are!! I loved it!! As I told bobby about one he posted, this one now graces my personal library of favorites..!!

Timing perfect having deleted some just today...

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

You definetly need to write more, yes, you go!!!

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

Perfect!!

pafret Loc: Northeast

The most difficult part is to start. This is what I have done. Try a paragraph of your memories, for instance, how and why you came to set a fire. Then refine it and add details so that someone who wasn't there can understand what it looked like, or smelled like, or tasted like, wh**ever sets the mood. After you have written to your satisfaction, save the writing. Your thinking about that incident will trigger memories of others. When you have time, write those, in the same manner and save them also. When you have half a dozen short stories, arrange them in chronological order. The sequence will trigger memories of other events and so it goes.

I have found that writing about those I loved brings them back vividly, their quirks, the beauty of their souls, their impact on me and others. Life is not all about me, I am the sum of these people and their influence persists to this day. It is a fitting tribute to remember and document their lives as well. Your self worth image is inextricably bound up in those relationships.