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Original Message -----
Subject: SEND THIS BACK IT IS NEAT!
The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken
aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was
immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question,
and I would ponder it, and let her know.
Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always
wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime 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 (who looks like my mother!), 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 extrav agant.
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 a
bout 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!
MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART
FOREVER AND EVER!
FRIENDS FOREVER!
Forward this to at least 7 people and see what happens on your screen . You
will laugh your head off!!!!!!!!!!!,
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