Tuesday, January 13, 2009

OLD AGE & ME!!!

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 sometimes 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 extravagant. 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 about 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!

11 comments:

Tami said...

Very well put!


May you have a wonderful day!

Hugs~T

Tolentreasures said...

Wonderful thoughts! and what an amazing outlook, happy wrinkles are the BEST!
Cathy

basketsnprims said...

What a wonderful post, Sue. My wrinkles are all laugh lines, LOL. Have a wonderful day.

Pam

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

Your blog made me laugh today! It was so fun to read!
Enjoy your day!
Beth

Kimberly said...

Sue, you are wise beyond my years! Thank you for being my friend!
Blessings, Kimberly

The Charm House said...

Sue, I am inspired by your blog once again today... Once again can I borrow. LOL You put the I in LIFE! I love you!
Yvette

Anonymous said...

Sue~~

I think that you sound like you are not getting older instead you are gettting wiser! I am what I would not say to be old, 42 (almost). I hope that when that day comes, I can look back and think and have the, "live your life attatude", that you have!! My hat is off to you! And why NOT YOU have earned it in my oppinion!! You Go girl!! LOL!!

Many Blessings on your full life..
Lori

Terry said...

Amen Sue!

Debbies Doodle said...

Dittos...

Lesley's Creations said...

How wonderful and sooooo true!! Its a shame it takes ageing to feel this way. Live life to the full!xx PS. You sound wonderfully young to me.

Dogwood Paper Arts said...

Hi Sue,

I tried emailing you...did you know that you won a gift at the Great christmas Giveaway? You can get to the blog at http://www.thegreatchristmasgiveaway.blogspot.com if you would like to see what you have won, it is Gift #8. Please email me at angelinastrinkets@comcast(dot)net. You'll have to put in the dot instead of the word. If you would send me your mailing address I will get your gift into the mail.

Blessings to you and wow, what a wonderful thoughtful posting you have written. It's just beautiful. I will have to send your blog to my sister so she can read it too.
Angelina