It seemed so far away … when I was
young – getting old, that is. Over the
last 18 months it crept up on me sooner than I expected. Twelve months ago, I never wanted to do yard
work again, except to help elders (older
folks, not the Church office) with their yard next door. After last summer’s work, I’m convinced.
This month as I researched senior
living, I realized something amazing: I have graduated to feeling “old at heart”
and loving it. The benefits are more
than just discounts at movie theaters and my favorite all-you-care-to-eat buffets. I am better able to empathize with elders who
struggle with unemployment, loneliness, depression, physical aches and pains. I am a better man for having newfound patience
with young people who ignore us and misunderstand us. I rejoice in being an empty nester with
greater freedom and motivation to help others; (my wife Kay and I look forward
to serving another mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) The 55+ communities are looking better to us –
maybe they have improved with age (jk). Facebook? – we can take it or leave it. More time and freedom to travel; (and more
ease with freestyle writing of incomplete sentences without a verb.)
First
opened in 1911, the famous Hotel Utah in Salt Lake City began its expansion in
1974. The publicity theme for the
project was “Getting better with age."
In 1993 it was rechristened the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, “in
honor of the Mormon church founder …” --
deseretnews.com (June 7 2011, “100 years” article by Ray Boren) It continues to get better with age; (check
it out by Temple Square, next time you’re in town!)
This
quote we’ve all read is one of my favorites: "Age is an issue of mind over
matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." -- Mark Twain
(from brainyquote.com)
I
missed my blog’s third anniversary a week ago – still pretty young (the blog,
not I.) This post is done … for today; it will get better with age. Expect expansion. And exciting discoveries in
this new old world. Any ideas?
Downsizing? Lightening our load?
Renting a cottage for next summer (three months) in the Isle of Man? Now that's getting better!
Downsizing? Lightening our load?
Renting a cottage for next summer (three months) in the Isle of Man? Now that's getting better!
