Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina
How do you feel about getting old?
Do you wish you could find the fountain of youth and be young forever?
I am 55 and that has crossed my mind some in the past few years. After all, I know my body will eventually wear out. I suspect if I had thought about it when I was younger, I would have taken a bit better care of it. But when you are young, you think you are invincible and you have many years left.
Today, advertisers count on us looking for the fountain of youth. A lift here, a tuck there…even beauty products are marketed on the suggestion that we will look younger or the wrinkles will not be as obvious.
Yes they count on our vanity to pull us in to their products and services.
I had the opportunity the other day to visit with ten men and women who showed me what growing old with grace and dignity is all about.
I was at AGAPE Assisted Living in the Harbison area. It was a lovely facility. I enjoyed the fact that they actually had screened doors going out to the garden…felt like my old country home…and I suspect that is what they want the residents there to feel like, too.
I was there to read from my book but I left with much more than that.
The residents who took the time to listen to me also shared with me their stories and thoughts. They were so pleasant to talk with…so full of life.
Yes, growing old is all in your attitude. Sure it means we have new aches and pains. Sure it means we can’t get around as well as we once could. But their minds, their own talents and skills, the support they shared with each other…all showed that one can grow old gracefully and with dignity.
They still have lots to share with the world.
I’m glad I met them all. My life is better for it.
My wish for you today is that you take the time to visit with people who are older than you. Like the song says, don’t cry for them. There is still a lot of living going on with older folks. Just take the time to talk with them and listen to their stories and you’ll find out why.
~ Joellen