seventysomething will feature Let’s Talk every other Wednesday alternating with an essay on memory, aging in amazement, and the inner life. Let’s Talk will feature a new question for us to toss around. Send your thoughts, responses, whatever comes up.
This isn't really an answer to my own question, but I was very taken with something James Hillman writes about in his book "The Force of Character." He points out that longevity is a very new factor in human life. People used to die much more frequently of childhood diseases, workplace accidents and other causes earlier in life. What surprised me was that this meant that old age was not associated with mortality. Old age was a blessing, a miracle, something to rejoice in.
I didn’t know how strong I was/am. I didn’t know I could become the best version of myself after the tragic deaths of my only grandchild and only son. I didn’t know how much love I was capable of and how peace can come at this late hour in life.
I saw a glimmer of that tremendous capacity for love when I witnessed you with hospice patients. I love watching you garden and bake yourself to a peaceful place on FB.
My mother died at 58 my sister at 67, I’m 69 and glad to be alive! I’m ok with the wrinkles, the sometimes laps of memory, the aches and pains, etc. I can still walk miles, play pickleball, eat and drink things I love! I love having the freedom retirement brought to spend my days however I want to. I have more time for good friends and good deeds! Is everything always great, of course not, I lost many good friends this past year, it’s been sad! But that it is life as i know it growing older. Sadness is because of the love and history we shared, I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
What surprises me the most is that I don't feel my age. Yes there's the normal stuff arthritis, funny knees. In fact, I feel younger. Adding to interests, literacy network, volunteering for theatre groups and, most of all as good for the soul, singing!l
Betrayal! I was told I had the best body of all the kids. I had the strong body. Imagine my surprise when I left too sunny, too conservative, too hot, too non-community or ecological consciousness Naples Florida for the glorious mountains and lakes of the Berkshires to reconnect with my spiritual family. I was way too lonely there on the sand.
Hadn't I come to kayak and hike and be known as one of the oldest, yet best hikers around and I set out to the start of this reputation I made up.
Much to my surprise, my body rebelled and broke down after the 10th or 12th 6-7 mile hike up steep hills and rocks.
I was so embarrassed and I am still working to repair this work of art 1.5 years later.
I thought I would never get old, I thought I would be different, I thought my life would be different, I didn't expect my eyelids to be puffy and droop, straight lines from my nose to my lip and even cutting into my lip. How dare my mother be wrong, I have been duped and betrayed. I can only walk a mile or two on fairly flat ground. Stretching is a must daily or I am in pain. there are dents in the skin on the two sides of my body near my back that I can grab.
Once again, I drank the kool aid manufactured by my ego. Naughty, naughty ego mind.
This is a fierce and brave piece of writing. Lately I've been using the age-old self-care advice "do the best you can." I know it sounds mealy-mouthed but really, what else can you do?
This isn't really an answer to my own question, but I was very taken with something James Hillman writes about in his book "The Force of Character." He points out that longevity is a very new factor in human life. People used to die much more frequently of childhood diseases, workplace accidents and other causes earlier in life. What surprised me was that this meant that old age was not associated with mortality. Old age was a blessing, a miracle, something to rejoice in.
I didn’t know how strong I was/am. I didn’t know I could become the best version of myself after the tragic deaths of my only grandchild and only son. I didn’t know how much love I was capable of and how peace can come at this late hour in life.
I saw a glimmer of that tremendous capacity for love when I witnessed you with hospice patients. I love watching you garden and bake yourself to a peaceful place on FB.
♥️thank you
Beautiful!
My mother died at 58 my sister at 67, I’m 69 and glad to be alive! I’m ok with the wrinkles, the sometimes laps of memory, the aches and pains, etc. I can still walk miles, play pickleball, eat and drink things I love! I love having the freedom retirement brought to spend my days however I want to. I have more time for good friends and good deeds! Is everything always great, of course not, I lost many good friends this past year, it’s been sad! But that it is life as i know it growing older. Sadness is because of the love and history we shared, I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
It would be wonderful to wake up every morning surprised and amazed to be alive. Thank you for reminding us.
We’ll, not every morning. Friday my best friend from college died at 62, not such a happy morning! 😔
I'm so sorry. No one can replace that friend.
I know..she was outstanding!
What surprises me the most is that I don't feel my age. Yes there's the normal stuff arthritis, funny knees. In fact, I feel younger. Adding to interests, literacy network, volunteering for theatre groups and, most of all as good for the soul, singing!l
I sing your praises! And agree that it feels much better to be more fully oneself.
Betrayal! I was told I had the best body of all the kids. I had the strong body. Imagine my surprise when I left too sunny, too conservative, too hot, too non-community or ecological consciousness Naples Florida for the glorious mountains and lakes of the Berkshires to reconnect with my spiritual family. I was way too lonely there on the sand.
Hadn't I come to kayak and hike and be known as one of the oldest, yet best hikers around and I set out to the start of this reputation I made up.
Much to my surprise, my body rebelled and broke down after the 10th or 12th 6-7 mile hike up steep hills and rocks.
I was so embarrassed and I am still working to repair this work of art 1.5 years later.
I thought I would never get old, I thought I would be different, I thought my life would be different, I didn't expect my eyelids to be puffy and droop, straight lines from my nose to my lip and even cutting into my lip. How dare my mother be wrong, I have been duped and betrayed. I can only walk a mile or two on fairly flat ground. Stretching is a must daily or I am in pain. there are dents in the skin on the two sides of my body near my back that I can grab.
Once again, I drank the kool aid manufactured by my ego. Naughty, naughty ego mind.
This is a fierce and brave piece of writing. Lately I've been using the age-old self-care advice "do the best you can." I know it sounds mealy-mouthed but really, what else can you do?