Jack’s Winning Words 6/12/07
“It’s not how old you are, but how you are old.” (Jules Renard) Haven’t you found it to be true that some of the elderly are young at heart and others just act their age? Are you older than your age, or younger? This quote is in honor of my sister, whose birthday is today. ;-) Jack

FROM F.M. IN WISCONSIN: I struggle with identifying myself as 'old'. I told a friend the other day that I purchased a new mountain bike - and he responded, "Don't you know you are old - and old people don't usually ride a bike." I told him that I had a flat tire on my 40 year old bike, needed to replace the one tire as it was worn out - so just thought it was time to get new wheels. In reflection, and as I keep track of my seminary class, I know that we are getting old - all in our 80's now - but when I am honest with myself - I don't consider myself old, but only aging.

FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: I suspect this refers to the state of the mind, and when someone is ill that will be a negative factor.

FROM L.K. IN OHIO: I am as old/young as I am.....a mere 62.

FROM M.N. IN ST. PAUL: Old!!! What is that???

MORE FROM M.N.: A GIFT 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, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him know. Growing older, 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 cellulite.
And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, 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 be messy, to be extravagant, to smell the flowers.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 a.m and then sleep until -- ? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's & 60'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 bikini set. They, too, will get old, if they're lucky. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But then 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 a 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 turn 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. I can say "no," and mean it.I can say "yes," and mean it. 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 older. 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 want.

FROM M.A.L. IN MICHIGAN: I just love your Blog! Consider publishing the "Best Of" I am serious, your friends are such wonderful caring, funny people. I am writing to ask permission from MN in St. Paul that was posted on June 12, 2007 First line is "Gift to Myself" to include in birthday cards for friends. Let me know.