I've read this article half a dozen times and it brings back a lot of memories, a lot of it hits home. A lot of you, I'm sure, have read it. I just thought it might be of interest to others. To me it's happy and sad, both sides of the coin. PJ




And it's winter before we know it....

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all...

And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go?

I remember well.. seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... But, here it is...my friends are retired and really getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over...its over....Yes , I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done ,,,,,things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime....

So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

"Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after.

Make it a fantastic one."

LIVE IT WELL!!----ENJOY TODAY!!!!-----DO SOMETHING FUN!!!----BE HAPPY!!!----BE THANKFUL!!!!!

Very thought provoking. Thank you Paul.

Great read, I just lost a loved one, your right.. it hits both sides of the coin.
Gotta call the kids and tell them I love them.
Thanks

Very nice thoughts, Paul, I'm on board with you 100 percent.

Both of my 85+ year old parents have dementia. If that doesn't make you think about mortality, nothing will. Watching them wither away has made me try harder than ever to savor every moment. And I do.

Some of my friends have commented that they've seen a positive change in me in the past couple of years. I've been happier, all because of a tragedy (see above) that made me realize how good life really is.

So, I agree with you, Paul: savor every moment, be thankful for good health, etc. Life after 50 can be the best years of all. So far, it is for me!

That very much reminds me of the song by Bobby Goldsboro "The Autumn of My Life"

Thanks Paul, very thought provoking.

Dave