Quite An

I’ve never been old before, so yes, I am finding it hard

Extremely difficult, to be quite honest

I don't’ know the rules and I am unsure if I will have time to learn them.A memory resurfaced recently about a verbal exchange between my younger (and quite vocal sibling) and our even more verbal Mother.

At one of the very rare occasions when my two sisters and I shared a celebratory birthday lunch together with our Mom, I recall her words: “Don’t ever grow old.”

My less timid younger sister immediately responded:

“Does that mean you want us to die young?”

Of course the exchange ended with laughter, but the admonition has recently resurfaced about that unsolicited advice. I rarely thought about age and its consequences.

Nor did I spend much time worrying about it’s inevitable approach.Frankly I was too busy and now that it has arrived I must learn to cope.

I will not lie.

I am not fond of this junction of life’s journey, but I am grateful. Everyone is not granted the opportunity to reach the final exit of our amazing adventure! Beautiful companions were forced to use earlier exits and my road became far lonelier without their presence,

So I will not complain. I will instead attempt to learn the rules and regulations (not from gurus or manuals) but from the pilgrims walking ahead of me.

There is Tom, whose voice sings out in the community choir and Jack who walks with precision still wearing his wedding ring. The two friends recently shared a combined celebration of their 102nd birthdays.

No, I cannot say being old is easy or even fun, but definitely, an incredibly interesting experience, I’ve learned a lot already and realize there are many more lessons if I am allowed to proceed,

I hope one day, you too, are permitted to enjoy the challenge. It’s quite an adventure.