I HAVE EARNED IT!

by Tom Damron
(Plano, TExas)

In my Twilight Years:

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

I can hit the golf ball any way I can and laugh if it goes in the lake. Them's the breaks. I'm just happy I can still see well enough to hit that golf ball

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

Whose business is it if I choose to read or surf on my computer until 4 AM or sleep until noon? I have the right and the will to dance by 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 when reminded by a song or a phrase.

I will walk the beach in my swim suit that is straining over my bulging body, and I will dive into the waves with wild abandon if I choose to despite the pitying glances from the young jet setters. They too, will one day be 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 too pristine, too 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 the laughs of my youth be forever etched into deep laugh-lines on my face.

Too many of us have never truly laughed and so many have died before their hair could honor their life by turning silver.

As I grow older it becomes easier to be positive. I care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even paid the price to earn the right to be wrong at times (very few times mind you.).

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 before my meal every single day (if and when I feel like it).

May Our Friendship Never Come Apart, Especially When It's Straight From My Heart to Your Heart!

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