On Getting Old

Although I've been think about blogging since the meteorlogical first day of spring, my new blog begins today.

Through the decades since my birth, no particular year has caused me as much mental anguish as this one. In 1960 I looked forward to 21 as did all young people coming of age. At 30 no longer being "trusted" had no meaning. The 40's were busied with trying to establish myself. 50 had no significant meaning, only another marker along the path. Although I did feel I reached the west side of the mountain. 65, the next major milestone, brought semi-retirement with more time to do different things -- travel, write...there was no time to get old.

2009 is not like any of the other years. I am reaching to that marker where my mind tells me old age begins.

I know I am not old. After all my bathroom mirror reflects the image of that rakish, slim man who whispers how well I look. Unfortunately, some time the snap and crackle of the joints obliterates his complements.

I think I may need help passing this up-coming milestone. So I've decided to present my thoughts this year. You need to forgive the ramblings of this soon-to-be old man. I've never blogged before and may not always do things properly.

To sweeten my way along the tenuous path laid out before me in this year, I've decided to present myself and to you also a piece of candy. As Ms. Poppin says, "a little bit of sugar makes the medicine go down". With your help I may pass into that age of oldness without any wrinkles.

Here we go.

My wife, Rosemary, and I drove together to the health center for our workout. The day was cold and grey -- the start of another typical Chicago springtime. The blustery winds swirled, what I hoped to be, only a few flakes of snow. The white, crystalline flecks struggled through the morning stillness. While stopped at a traffic light, one of the flakes gently alit on the front windshield. The sun chose that minute to peek from behind a cloud and illuminate the tiny, starry wonder. The symmetry and uniqueness burst forth. This creation shone like a beacon in a difficult world.

How much are we like this tiny point of light. Each of us different but bringing our own special attribute to light the lives of those around us. Yet we are all the same -- trying to make the journey interesting and beneficia.

Till the next time -- Ciao.