I know what it's like to be a child, fitting in with my parents' beliefs and prohibitions, largely innocent of adulthood and its horrors and liabilities, free to enjoy my childhood games and obsessions without having to think about bills or mortgages or roof repairs.
I've met the challenges of middle age, when you're constantly exhausted by the demands of full-time work, household maintenance, looking after elderly parents, and maybe raising several children. You're rushing from one task to another with little time to explore your own needs and desires.
And now I'm in the throes of old age, adjusting to all the minor dysfunctions of my ancient body, hoping I'll have enough money for however long I'm alive, hoping I won't develop dementia and become a useless vegetable (but also knowing the joys of retirement and not being in thrall to some vicious boss).
In particular, it's great being able to look back at my entire life, knowing exactly what happened to me and what I did with whatever opportunities arose. I know my life has been a success and not some string of disasters and miscalculations. When I was living on my own in the 1970s, I was rather pessimistic about the future, and had no idea things would work out so well.
The once unknown future has revealed itself.
I hope you still have some adventures to come! And that it's not going to be all about health worries and medication.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you, Nick!
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Ms Scarlet: Jenny's convinced I'll live for at least another 20 years! In which case yes, a few more adventures to come.
DeletePlenty of years in the old dog yet, Nick...the specialists gave Leo at most nine years to live back in 2000....he's still here and that's as much in spite of medical treatment as because of it.
ReplyDeleteFly: Glad to hear Leo has outsmarted the specialists. My sister (who has MND) was given six months to live in 2005 but is still soldiering on!
DeleteIt's good to have a positive outlook on life, Nick. Here's to a few more decades of enjoying life with your partner!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bijoux. Yes, who knows, there may be a few more exciting adventures still to come!
DeleteMy father lived till he was 70, my mother lived until she was 96. So the question is: which one do I take after?
ReplyDeleteIt's good to reflect on one's life and celebrate the victories but also the sadnesses and challenges. And recognize our fortitude in the face of adversity and pain.
ReplyDeleteYou have a few years to catch up with me, Nick!
XO
WWW
www: Yes, setbacks and misfortunes do test our fortitude, and it's encouraging when we come through them successfully.
DeleteNick, I echo the sentiments of several others who commented, and hope that you and Jenny are able to enjoy many more years together without the need for medications or any discomforts. I believe that attitude and outlook play important roles in how we face our lives, no matter what the age.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice: Well, I've been fortunate so far, having not had any serious debilitating illnesses. Long may that continue.
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