Saturday, February 09, 2013

The best thing about getting old

Sometimes I will tell Cliff about something I would like to have, or someplace I'd like to go, and he'll say, "Well if there's something you want, you'd better get it, because we don't have that much time left."  
We had a discussion yesterday about how very special every minute is.  When I wake up in the morning, I have a profound sense of gratitude that I've been granted another day.  I can see, hear, walk, smell...  
When I was young, I didn't think about how precious a day was or what a great thing it was to see the sunrise and hear the birds singing.  Looking ahead, I saw what seemed like an endless supply of days ahead.  Of course I was aware that everybody dies, but it isn't anything I was worried about yet.  
I've seen people cringe when I say, "Cliff told me to get what I want, because we're dying soon."  
I've even had someone tell me to quit talking like that.  It's as though they think that if you don't mention death, it won't happen.  
I don't find it morbid at all to admit our time is short.  
The best thing about getting old is that, knowing you have a limited amount of time left, you treasure the time you are given.  

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!'” Robert Browning


     


And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.  Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

8 comments:

  1. I love this post and it is so true. You said it all very well. That is the greatest thing about growing older. It's another cold day here in Ohio, but I'm a day older and I'm thankful for it! Hope you have a super Saturday!

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  2. I don't consider myself old(middle aged?) but learned this lesson early in life with the loss of my younger brothers and just recently with the death of my husband. There is never enough time, so carpe diem, seize the day.

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  3. It's true that or entire mode of thinking changes as we grow older.
    Life certainly seems more precious and our priorities change drastically.

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  4. I meant to say "our" not "or".....sorry!

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  5. This is so very true!! That's exactly why we bought our new motorcycle last autumn. We're 56 years old & we both know all too well we have far more years behind us than ahead of us... and the time for riding a Harley & feeling the open road under our feet & the wind in our faces is soon going to be past. It's not morbid... it's just facing facts. I'm going to be 57 this coming summer & I've had severe hypertension almost all of my adult life. My specialist told me any years after 60 will be a gift. I'm not afraid... I know where I'm going after my stint on this earth is finished. But I want to be sure & do at least a few of the things we'd like to do while on this earth yet.

    I love this post... and I so agree!!

    --Andrea
    XOXOXO

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  6. The thought of death doesn't phase me however being left here alone after 52 years of marriage does. We've been together since I was 16. Alone in this house? ..I just don't know. Faye

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  7. Donna, I get this post, lost my dad and my Uncle at 58, people tend to die young in my family. I hope you and Cliff have many happy years ahead of you, love Lisa

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