Lorraine Is

As I walk along the complicated corridors of life, there are many stop signs.

Many are mandatory; others, by choice.

Since I have relocated, I seldom stop by choice. This time, however, it will be completely voluntary.

And that is because of the other pilgrims I have encountered along the way.

Inspiration is a word often used too loosely and many times, undeserved. However, not so in this instance.

As we age, it is inevitable that we fear. Growing old is not the sunny road poets have painted. Unfortunately, it takes us into the darkness of loss and the realm of uncertainty.

As one friend recently said, “Everything becomes harder.”

And so it does.

That is why it is a joy beyond comprehension when you encounter another pilgrim who has walked slightly ahead of you and not only coped, but achieved with grace each of her passing years.

Lorraine is 99 today, and she is a lady who has met all the challenges of life with aplomb, courage and discipline.

She remains straight as an arrow as she walks the corridors of her path, always with a smile and a cordial nod of recognition.

Conversation with this remarkable woman is a joy because of her intelligence and wisdom.

The most amazing lesson that Lorraine has given to those privileged to know her is that aging is rather nice, but only if you can follow her example.