HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE OLD?

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 I despair over my body … the wrinkles, my aching back, and the sagging turkey neck. And often I despise that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don’t agonize over those things for long.

I treasure my wonderful life, my loving family and amazing friends. As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own companion, as I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon.

And whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m., and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50’s. I will walk the beach, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. If they’re lucky, they too, will get old some day!

My memory is not as sharp as it once was; I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten … and I eventually remember the important things.

So, to answer your question, yes, 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.

Some people become bird watchers late in life…and that has become one of my hobbies these days. You see… on that beach walk I mentioned, I’ve become a keen observer of the Bikini Bird.