On Getting Old -- 60

23Oct2009

I’ve reached the bridge today. This last year has passed all too quickly. My fear of this mystical – in my mind – age milestone was, I realize, only psychological but yet all too real.

Looking back I discovered many wonderful things. Fortunately, I began this blog, and it has forced me to look at my world in a different light. I may not have seen the things I did had I not been looking for my daily candy.

Now that I stand on the bridge, I find it solid and comforting. No one knows what lies in store for us on the other side. All I know is that I am a stronger and more content person.

I would like to share some of the important things I found.

Be aware of the things around you. You never know what may be bring you joy and happiness. The candy is every where. It may be as simple as a humming bird or only in your imagination such as the “Lady of the Underpass”.

Food excites the senses. So many good meals provided the candy for the day. Lavish spreads are not necessary. Finding the best hamburger in the city or the savouriness of a hot, cinnamon bun is enough to bring about that daily piece of candy.

Music provided another source for candy, Some music from the likes of the Platters, Bill Doggett or the Flamingos brought back the nostalgia of a simpler time. While the wistful strains of smooth jazz just made you feel good.

Most important of all were the people I encountered along the way. They were the adhesive that held all the other experiences together. The kind words of a nurse or the comforting of a chaplain was enough to turn a sad day bright.

Everyone I spoke with had some words of encouragement to help me. They told me that age was only a number. What was in your heart is what counted.

The most important person of all was my wife, Rosemary. She was always there with a comforting word or an incident to make me laugh. She pushed me when I needed a shove; she hugged me when I needed the care; she was part of every one of the important experiences in my journey to the bridge. She truly was my daily candy.

Ciao