AS OF RIGHT NOWThere are times when we are more or less forced by circumstances to take stock of our lives.
I have, I think, in passing the age of ninety years as of February 25th, been in such a time zone when self-examinations as suggested. At such an age I think I know pretty much has happened to me and a larger “me” called family.
That part of living is, perhaps, shows better than anything else how worthy ones life may have been. In what ways have I lived so as to influence others who work to seek out the very best of better things?
I find it impossible to do as some suggest and to write downs the good things and ,possibly, to try to contrast them with that we call the “not-so-good” elements encountered.
I do not fit the category at all, but I count myself as being wealthy. I have always had “ a yearning for learning” as my own Mother once and along my way I have been doubly blessed in having had two fine wives. That does not happen too often and there must be a reason why it all happened as did. Who am I, I have wondered, to have had such special care and attention? There are other puzzles which come to mind, too. Old age creeps up on you. Suddenly one day, you wonder where all the old-timers have gone. It comes not as a sad moment at all, but rather as a gentle reminder that we have taken their place. You, then, become aware of attention coming your way from young people; older people,even older folks, back off a bit when they hug you while standing,fearing they might topple you over. When you come to share that fear, Old Age has moved one step closer.
As a finale for my recent party, the family sent aloft ninety small balloons with name and address. I am now getting Happy Birthday greetings from people everywhere! The mention of the event on Andy Jr's world-wide daily satellite radio show (Slash.ComReview) is bringing in more greetings! How can I ever thank these good people?
A.L.M. March 15, 2006 [c376wds]
