Last week, I surpassed a major marker in one’s life – seventy years old. At sixty I did not feel old. When I retired a few years later, I did not feel old either. But, for me, the 70 age had a different feeling. I don’t even like to type the number.
Nonetheless, I am here continuing to bang my keyboard in hopes I write something that might to offer helpful information. So, today I hope to shed some light on what I am feeling, and maybe how you might feel when you get to my number of years.
Like it or not, growing older does result in losses. Last week, I tried to do some yard work. After about thirty minutes, I felt beat-up. Maybe I felt tired because of the 95-degree heat, or maybe it was that I turned seventy. A little of both, I guess. Regardless, as I grow-up I realize I will have some loss of strength.
I also seem to forget things more. I’d like to think that my brain has so much in storage, and that is why I am forgetful. Whatever the reason, I will slip a bit in the memory category.
Growing old and retiring also may also impose the loss of an identity from the work world or in other parts of our lives. Fortunately, I have not experienced much of this loss…yet.
I could go on and on about losses, but I want to move to what a friend called the Big D… Death. One of my grandsons won’t let me forget the Big-D. In the car recently, this seven-year old prophet said, “Granddad, I like being with you but you won’t be with me for all of my lifetime.”
I responded, “That is why I love spending as much time with you as I can now!” Hopefully, that was a bit more uplifting to him and me.
The Big-D does come into play as we grow older. I received many lovely Happy Birthday wishes but one stands out…a card from my oldest daughter. The front of the card said, “You’re a Guy Who’s Clear On What Really Matters in Life. It goes on to say, “it shows in how you treat people, where you put your energy, your good nature and in all you do and all you are …a Good Man.”
The author of this card identifies those things which will live on after we depart. Maybe we all need to be thinking of this as we age. A part of us will be left in the memories of family, friends, co-workers neighbors and others whose paths we have crossed. That is a good feeling and one to consider as we age. A final thought – my faith centers around love. The love and care we have for others are the major part of who we are. When we expand that love, we can avoid the worry of the Big-D. We will reach the Big-D finding comfort in knowing we can celebrate birthdays, loss of strength and memory knowing where we put our energy. May you be At Peace!
At Peace 