The Other day

Author Unknown, this was passed to me by a pal of some 40 years:

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 who 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 avant 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 dies? 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).

Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles. Love simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly.

The Old Salt heartily passes these sentiments on to all of his relatives, friends and acquaintances.

P.S., I would write more but I have an important movie date with a my 2, 3, and 4 year old grandchildren and a large bucket of salted, buttered popcorn. TTFN.

A Challenge For My Peeps And Others

RULES:

Post these rules before we give you the facts.

Players start with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

Those tagged need to post these rules and then write their own blog post about their own eight things.

At the end of your post, you need to choose eight people who get tagged and list their names.

Don’t forget to send them a comment telling them they have been tagged.

The Old Salt's Eight Items:

1. I am building a large DVD collection to keep my grandchildren entertained on a rainy day. I also have a few to entertain the rest of the family.

2. The "Man's Room" project in the new house is falling way behind.

3. As much as I enjoyed my naval career, I really love going to sea on cruise ships with family or friends.

4. I also love digital cameras, my motto is "Keep shooting, out of every 1000 shots you are bound to have at least one really good picture.

5. Now that I am retired, I seem to be working harder than ever.

6. I still have a hard time with fools, especially those who have the education to know better.

7. I will adopt a new firearm in a heartbeat. I am particularly fond of those with previous military service.

8. I am having the time of my life with each and every one of my grandchildren, with or without their parents. Going to the pool is as much fun as the movies and a tub of salted, buttered popcorn.