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Growing old...

3K views 26 replies 21 participants last post by  1Ljutic1 
#1 ·
Sharing an e-mail

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old.
I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing
My reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it
Was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.


Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I
Have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my
Body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And
Often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like
My mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my
Loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've
Become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've
Become my own friend.


I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not
Making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need,
But looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be
Messy, to be extravagant.


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 and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 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, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to,
Despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
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.


Sure, 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.


So, to answer your question, 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 every single
Day. (If I feel like it)
 
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#5 ·
I retired in March, and turned 60 in June. I'm never gonna grow up.

Every day on the yellow side of the daisies is a good day.

Break 'em all.

Best,
Dennis
 
#7 ·
Being only 40, I have a long way to go. Since my first 40 years werent anything to write home about, I am looking forward to my second 40. I for one, am looking forward to getting older. Cant wait to retire and trap shoot everyday somewhere warm. BTW, I turned the big 40 on 9/11. Tell me that doesnt suck. Steve
 
#8 ·
I must think along the lines of Pat & Earl.

I can remember when my Dad was 32 years old, and I thought he was really an old old man......lol

I turned 69 last Thursday, and am amazed at how young I feel.

But I do have to admit, when I saw the title of this thread, I really thought it was all about Shootlow.

Now he is a lot older than I am.......I used to look up to him until he got so short. lol lol

You're only as young as you feel.

Keep your mind busy, it certainly helps.

And it doesn't do anyone any good sitting around feeling sorry for yourself.

No matter how bad you have it, if you'll look around, you'll see a whole bunch of folks that have it worse than you.

Enjoy life...........I am!

Hauxfan!
 
#9 ·
Steve: Congratulations on the 40th birthday. Your response brings to mind my birthdays that placed me into another decade of my life. When I reached 20, it meant that I only had to wait another year to make the "magic age" of 21. Then came the 30th birthday. That was the most difficult birthday for me to accept. I just felt when I left my 20's I was no longer young anymore. The 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays were a snap. I am now at 63 and retired. Do I wish I were young again? Of course I'd be lying if I said I didn't. However, the way the world is going, I can honestly say that in my youth, I was fortunate enough to live in a society that respected our country, our teachers, our elders, our laws, our parents and on and on. Those were truly the "good old days". Now I am relaxing and enjoying the rewards of all the years that I have worked. I am very happy enjoying the life of an "older person". Ed
 
#10 ·
Good stuff!

I'm 76 going on 60.

Really felt old until I lost 50 pounds, amazing how much better and younger I feel at 234 instead of 285, knees are happier about stairs and lots of other "positives".

God has blessed my wife and I with good health, wonderful friends and family !!!

old tex
 
#11 ·
There is another perspective in growing old. I turned 70 back in March and declared Senior Vet in registered shooting.

I won three Senior Vet trophies at the PSSA state shoot this year and one at the ATA Eastern Zone shoot.


So, growing old is "aint" all that bad!



:)


Frank
 
#17 ·
I have to say that I am glad that I am in my 70's. I feel sorry for my grand kids as I do not think that I would want ot be in my 20's and face the world they will be faced with. Maybe that is what my grandfather said about me. Join the stop Hillary campaign or kiss your guns goodby.


A wise old man
Clyde
 
#19 ·
I'm nearly 50, but my Grandma is hitting 95 - I call her every few days, we go out for a bite to eat every few weeks and quarterly for a dental cleaning (yes, she still has ALL her teeth) she is still with it, in good health and all her faculties - I feel like kid in her presence.

I thank God everyday she's still in my life,

Jay
 
#26 ·
Well put PNT!!

BrownK80; The Pole-Vaulters, I busted a gut on that one.

I used to think the good ole days were when I was a young kid still under my parents' wings. I had to get permission to do this and that. Didn't have a pot to piss in. Always wore hand-me-down clothes. Big brothers kickin my butt, me kickin little brothers butts. During this time of course, I learned to shoot, fish and drive a truck.

BUT: Today, I'M LIVIN NOW!!! All those years up until now were just training for the good years. I'm fast approaching 53, and with a bit of luck, I'll be retired in a couple years and looking forward to traveling the country with my wife and shooting a bunch of targets, and when I ain't bustin clays, we'll be catchin bass in the shallows.

Good shootin!!
 
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