Personal Thoughts on Aging

Sometimes there is no joy in aging. Today the phone rang with the unwelcome word that a long time friend of mine passed into eternity. The joy is that I know where he went. The agony is that he was alive and well, active when suddenly, without warning, his heart stopped. True, he lived into his 80s, and he lived well, and was warmly, I'm sure, welcomed Home.

Someone else made a comment that at our age so many are departing that perhaps we should reconsider how and where we live just in case. . . Sound words but not as easily accomplished. If we knew the day and hour of our demise, would we be better off? Frankly, I'm glad we don't know. I think our Creator designed it that way although at times we try to take matters into our own hands. 

As you may have read recently, another birthday came my way. I feel honored to be an octogenarian. Believe it or not, that is one reason I keep on writing these Senior Moments. To be able to write Post Senior Moments will not be my privilege.

Moments ago I was lured by my computer into checking into my High School past. I looked to see if there were any schoolmates I knew or wanted to contact. Up came a page of an old yearbook with tiny, hardly legible pictures. Then I checked to see if any reunions were scheduled. None. 

In the mail arrived a welcome periodical: a regular journal from one of my previous schools. Ah, such sweet memories were awakened. I went through all 34 pages and when I finished, I recognized two, a former professor, the other a former student. Everyone else were strangers. What else after 60 years. It was a pleasure to see what was happening, what the professors were writing, celebrity alums making the news, and the prowess of some athletes. I was also offered a chance to stay connected (e.g. Facebook), to become a Partner and to receive information on Planned Gifts via four different credit cards.

Getting older is not something we can either guarantee or calculate. What we can do is accept it, face it honestly and yes, assist others in their fading moments, months or years which will enrich us all. Fair enough?