It’s A Small

Unfortunately, I must dispute the validity of two phrases, “The good old days” along with “Don’t ever grow old.”

The reason for my objection to the latter is obvious. Too many people I cared about never had the opportunity to utter those words.

I do admit, there were happier times earlier in life, but let’s not negate the advances now shared on a daily basis.

I thought of that this week when through the modern advances of both email and long distance calling, I was able to share birthday joys with two wonderful friends. Both have stepped with vim and vigor into their ninth decade.

They were an integral part of my life in Massapequa, and it was with regret when I bade them adieu and chose a different path for my journey.

Until then we shared laughter, lunches, and Christmas parties. We attended concerts and knew sadness on occasion. We traveled on the Hampton Jitney into Times Square, and feasted on Zorns chicken in my kitchen. Both ladies still remain an integral part of local civic organizations and are sought out for their wisdom, wit and humor.

Because 2018 with all its political, environmental and cultural issues, allows three friends to chat, send updates on opinions and remain in each other’s world, we maintain our friendship.

I need my friends. While I have made new wonderful ones, those of yesterday do not diminish in importance. Each one represents a different inspiration to me providing strength in facing a new tomorrow.

Ellen and Jane have chosen to remain in their own homes rather than seek another mode of life. They are not only independent, but quick witted and intelligent. Neither complains about any of the adversities of aging, but rather looks forward to each day. Well coiffed, and beautifully groomed they allow a different interpretation of the title, Senior Citizen

Their choices have been as controversial as mine. Society doesn’t always approve of those who are not following an approved pattern of life. There is always grumbling about the diverse whys of other’s decisions.

In the good old days of yore, possibly my friends and I would have exchanged a letter of two and then our communication would have slowly faded away. Today Jane and Ellen remain my inspiration in facing mundane challenges, and realities.

Yesterday Ellen and I held one of our regular and lively phone conversations. As she described changes in the neighborhood we once shared, I could almost close my eyes and go back briefly to the house on the corner where she would pop in on occasion. Her lively repartee has not diminished.

Today my morning black coffee was enriched with a wonderful email from Jane sharing the birthday festivities she enjoyed and then including a welcome opinion about something I had written. She constantly pops in and out of my world via email almost the way she once arrived unexpectedly at my front door.

No, the world is smaller today, and I find comfort in that. Happy life, Ladies. You are both amazing women and continue to make me not only smile, but think.