Being more realistic than I often am I realized that it would take me 20 or so years to read all the books I have stored to read someday. When I added all the movies on discs and tapes that we have saved there would be no time for sleep anytime in the future. While immortality is tempting I have decided not to depend on it to provide me additional time. Fortunately my wife and I have gone into pre-downsizing mode so unloading excess is easier as well as letting us demonstrate that we are not going to wait for others to make our keep or pitch decisions.
While we are not dependent on our family to decide for us, we do have children and grandchildren who have stepped up to provide a good home for some of our stuff. So my component stereo system which has lain dormant for some time is off to a grandson at college in the south. My poet grandson has left with two bags of books. And my film expert grandson and his significant other are providing a home for a load of movies as well as a number of reference books on film and the arts. I am waiting for another grandson to hopefully find things what will please him.
This has been a healthy first step in our preparation to enjoy the next phase in our lives. Sure it is only a toe in the water but it is a pleasant start.
Here is a piece I am sure I sent you before but since I am in the graceful aging mode I thought I would send it to you again.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves (and GOD). Be ALIVE while you are alive.
Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants or hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER… Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Age is totally unimportant. The years are really irrelevant. It’s how you cope with them.
Speaking of ways to live our lives, here are some alternatives that you might want to consider.
She said: All men are idiots… I married their King.
A lot of trouble in this world is caused by combining a narrow mind with a wide mouth.
The Army General called a private over and ordered him to climb to the top of the base flagpole while singing “The Caissons Go Rolling Along,” then let go with both hands, and salute. The private quickly complied.
Next, the Admiral ordered a sailor to climb the pole, polish the brass knob at the top, sing “Anchors Aweigh,” salute smartly and jump off. The sailor did as he was told and landed on the concrete below.