Aging Gracefully

This year I will reach the ripe old age of 60. Many of my friends who are older than I, look at me and tell me, "being 60 isn't old...just wait until you get to be my age and then you will know what being old really is." Our age, like so many other things in life is relative to other comparative and significant moments. I recall when I was 16 and I had just received my driver's license and I felt "old". Instantly, I was an adult, simply because I could drive a car. The military draft, my first job, college classes and standing in line for a marriage license were moments when I felt older.
I have found that the maturing process continues all through our lives. Age is now relative to how "good" we feel each day. Medical concerns, mental abilities (even simple forgetfulness...which I know too well) and other everyday mobility aspects have become markers along life's pathway that speak to us of the aging process. These tulips were fresh, brightly colored, stood up straight and closed up tightly in their cellophane package a few days ago at Cost Cutter. Although they are about to be discarded, I can bend down and still see that their inner beauty lives on.
When we reach out and embrace our neighbors we see pictures that enhance everyday life in our own international community.
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