Quote Originally Posted by no1son View Post
Hey Cane Pole you left out a couple of others, but this week is not one for fighting.

Happy Holidays to you and all.
And to you, sir

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read, or play on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50, 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. If they are lucky they, too will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful, but there again, some of life is just as well forgotten, and,…I eventually remember the important things.

Yes, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But, broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

In short, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been or worrying about what will be,…and I shall eat dessert (something chocolate I hope) every single day if I feel like it.

May our friendship never come apart, especially if it’s from the heart.