Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Old Age is a Gift

Most of you know I work with Seniors and I got this today and I have already reached parts of it, but I realize the beauty in all of it~Allow me to share...

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 sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggyeyes, 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) Photobucket

9 comments:

Valarie Lea said...

That was beautiful, and I so needed to hear it!

Linda said...

Beautiful...I loved it! I could relate to alot of this because, yes, getting older has its perks.

I mentioned in my "100 Things About Me" post...of course I want people to like me, but it doesn't hurt my feelings if they don't. I couldn't have said that years ago. I let things slide more often than not nowadays. Somethings just don't bother me or matter anymore. The older you get, the easier it is to put your priorities in order...God, family, and friends.

Debbie said...

Have you been to strive for fitness today? I am really feeling that gift of old age about right now!

Life on the farm... said...

You are beautiful Lorie!

Misty said...

What a wonderful post! I think this post speaks to people of all ages. I look at my kids and wish I was optimistic and uninhibited as they are. They love everyone. See the best in the world and never let a hard lick keep them down. Thanks for sharing your heart!!!

Mimi said...

I agree 100%
it is a very liberating feeling being old...
and being a grandmother is the very very best!!!

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