Golden Years
Recently I made a trip to southwest Florida to settle the
estate of an old friend and mentor. She asked that upon her death I come and
make sure her wishes were carried out. I had come some months earlier to say
farewell and make sure I understood what she wanted me to do. Although now sad
to be there in her absence, I honored her request.
Over the years I have visited several retirement
communities. When my parents were alive I would regularly visit them in
Arizona. Spending time there gave me a unique perspective on retired life.
After the initial attraction of freedom without the daily grind of a job, I
began to see the challenges of life for the older generation. Listening to my
parents and their friends during “happy hour” (the highpoint of the day), I
started to see behind the veil of the American retirement dream.
Running the risk of sounding judgmental, I kept hearing
recurring themes from those who were living their Golden Years. Everyone was
concerned about health; if not their own, then a spouse or a neighbor. Urgent
Care and the ER were frequently visited. A sense of depression seemed to be in
the air. Idleness and fear of the unknown laid a pall over conversations. The
stock market was watched with diligence. Which would come first, death or
destitute? Death was a taboo topic during Happy Hour.
I enjoy being around older people. I have learned a lot from
people who have survived the challenges of marriage, family and the work world,
especially those whose attitude of life is still vibrant. As I look to the
future I chose to live life as fully as I am able: spirit, soul and body. The
best is yet to come!
Jesus tells us, “I came so you can have real and eternal
life, more and better life that you ever dreamed of…”
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