So, when you get older you get less coordinated, you walk a little funny, you get up more slowly and you grunt to get out of a chair. That’s something to be thankful for … at least you’re still able to do something! There are friends that aren’t even around anymore to enjoy getting older.

We will walk around the swimming pool in a swimsuit that is stretched over a bulging body, and part of the body laps over the swimming trunks. We know there is someone staring at the wrinkles and the flabby skin, but they too may be lucky enough to get old some day. I feel blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning grey, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and many have died before their hair could turn silver.

When I look at my spouse of many years, I don’t see the wrinkles or grey hair; I still see beauty, love, laughter, and the memories we’ve shared. We’re still the life of the party… if the party is over by 9 o’clock! It used to be when there was a loud party next door, we’d grab a beer and run over there. Now I just call the cops.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. But eventually I remember the important things. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. You don’t question yourself as much anymore. You’ve even earned the right to be wrong occasionally.

Whose business is it anyway, if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I’ll always enjoy listening to those wonderful tunes of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

Sure, over the years, your 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.

So, do I like being old? No, but it has set me free. I don’t mind 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!

When you look at senior citizens, don’t feel sorry for them. They have done a lot, they know a lot, and they can damn well give you some good advice about staying young and happy…. and will share their knowledge for the asking.

Tom “Road” Blair

Website: www.tomroadblair.com