Turning 70 last week, I reflected on a lot of what you wrote. It reaffirmed what I had learned over the years that each season of your life brings unexpected joys, like watching your children find their own successful path and live fulfilled lives, and watching your grandchildren follow the same progression of discovery that you witnessed in your children as they grew and flourished. Taking care of yourself as you age and keeping that inner child-like curiosity and wonder of youth alive and well will continue to be a blessing. The gift that keeps on giving is that it gets better, in a different way, as you get older.
I would say that getting older has its benefits. Losing your filters and saying exactly what you think, not necessarily in an unkind way, but utterly honestly is a blessing. Letting go of inhibitions that a Southern upbringing insisted on--not bad. However, I was thoroughly unprepared for the health issues that crop up daily. Your mama and I laughed last week about the usual morning first awake thoughts of "What's it going to be today?" I remember so clearly the scene when we were leaving my folk's house after finding out daddy was terminal and had only months to live. He held me in a fierce hug and said, "Baby, you're going to have to grow up now." I think back on the preciousness that he had still allowed me to be, even married with two small children, his little girl. I'm not sure that I ever have completely. Approaching 74, I am and forever will be the rebel. Jackson has so many wonderful experiences ahead of him, but I wish for him to hold at least a piece of his incredible childhood in his heart forever.
I think I'm more than qualified to leave a comment here, even though I'm a 44-year-old trapped in an 88-year-old body – they must have put me in the wrong one! LOL.
I must say, your son is such a smart and insightful boy. It's amazing that it didn't take him long at all to recognize the magic of childhood.
While the rest of us, including my younger self, couldn't wait to grow up because I thought that would be my happily ever after – pure freedom and all – your son already understands the preciousness of "now." That's something people pay to learn in classes and meditation retreats!
Good for him!
Curfew during my teen years seems heavenly in comparison to the responsibilities of adulthood! Sigh. It's a reminder of my silly younger self; if only there were a time machine, I'd have so much to tell myself about cherishing those carefree days.
But that's the truth of life, isn't it? We're not Benjamin Button; all we can do is learn to adapt to the changes.
Turning 70 last week, I reflected on a lot of what you wrote. It reaffirmed what I had learned over the years that each season of your life brings unexpected joys, like watching your children find their own successful path and live fulfilled lives, and watching your grandchildren follow the same progression of discovery that you witnessed in your children as they grew and flourished. Taking care of yourself as you age and keeping that inner child-like curiosity and wonder of youth alive and well will continue to be a blessing. The gift that keeps on giving is that it gets better, in a different way, as you get older.
I would say that getting older has its benefits. Losing your filters and saying exactly what you think, not necessarily in an unkind way, but utterly honestly is a blessing. Letting go of inhibitions that a Southern upbringing insisted on--not bad. However, I was thoroughly unprepared for the health issues that crop up daily. Your mama and I laughed last week about the usual morning first awake thoughts of "What's it going to be today?" I remember so clearly the scene when we were leaving my folk's house after finding out daddy was terminal and had only months to live. He held me in a fierce hug and said, "Baby, you're going to have to grow up now." I think back on the preciousness that he had still allowed me to be, even married with two small children, his little girl. I'm not sure that I ever have completely. Approaching 74, I am and forever will be the rebel. Jackson has so many wonderful experiences ahead of him, but I wish for him to hold at least a piece of his incredible childhood in his heart forever.
Beth, this is so beautiful! Thank you for the sentiments-especially about Jackson....You should write more often!
Thank you, Froggie! You are a large part of the (writing) wind beneath my wings and always will be.
Dear Lauren,
I think I'm more than qualified to leave a comment here, even though I'm a 44-year-old trapped in an 88-year-old body – they must have put me in the wrong one! LOL.
I must say, your son is such a smart and insightful boy. It's amazing that it didn't take him long at all to recognize the magic of childhood.
While the rest of us, including my younger self, couldn't wait to grow up because I thought that would be my happily ever after – pure freedom and all – your son already understands the preciousness of "now." That's something people pay to learn in classes and meditation retreats!
Good for him!
Curfew during my teen years seems heavenly in comparison to the responsibilities of adulthood! Sigh. It's a reminder of my silly younger self; if only there were a time machine, I'd have so much to tell myself about cherishing those carefree days.
But that's the truth of life, isn't it? We're not Benjamin Button; all we can do is learn to adapt to the changes.