A Need

Old age is certainly new And it’s definitely different. But exciting? Well, I don’t quite know about that as yet.

However as I travel this yellow brick road believing it leads to a better place, hopefully, I will be able to keep you informed.

It is truly an interesting experience because I have never been old before.

Of course, I only married once, too; but this is quite different.

Consequently it raises a few pertinent questions i.e.:

If education is mandated for everything else in life, why isn’t there a curriculum preparing for old age?

Admittedly, adolescence is a challenge, but the prospect of being an independent adult is a powerful incentive.

And of course, the joy of youth is instinctive because it lacks even anticipation of occasional worries.

Marriage, however, while worth every minute of time, is a constant lesson in coping with love and all its inherent demands.

Old age, however, is decidedly the hardest and frankly, I was unprepared for its rigors, challenges, and yes, I must admit, fears. Possibly that is because old age inevitably begins with loss. While, admittedly, there are several categories of that milestone in life, there are none to look forward to with anticipation.

Loss of love doesn’t happen to everyone, but when it does it has an impact beyond description. You are enveloped with a shell of loneliness that never disappears. There are no words adequate to clarify the consequences.

While a slow attrition of age and ability lurks sometimes in reality, also often it is in the subconscious. The subtle loss of strength both physically and mentally is unanticipated until it becomes stark reality.

Obviously, therefore, there is a definite and urgent need for instructions on how to prepare and cope with this last adventure on our winding road.

I might suggest enrollment should be at birth and classes held in the company of the eldest in family. The mandated curriculum would endure for a lifetime.

A degree would be rewarded in one part wisdom, one part acceptance and the major segment pleasure in not having reached that final plateau of life as yet.

I also believe that education would allow age to be viewed with not mere acceptance, but with a sense of accomplishment and the sweet sensation of knowing tomorrow is on the horizon, with all its promises.