OVERCOMING OLD AGE

Not old, but wise in years, a senior citizen, a glorious end of a journey, looking towards a second lifetime, seeing angels in your mind's eye, an elder, a person who lived to a grand old age, a grandparent, a successful end to a path of gainful living, a time to retire, a time to relax, an easy chair in one's living room, playing cards, playing chess and Bingo.

Snoozing in an afternoon nap with a cup of tea at three. Putting up one's feet, exercising for better blood circulation. A large private library, always something to read, not carrying heavy books, a book bag, a paperback, a trip to the neighborhood library in the afternoon.

Aches and pains, flexing knees, lifting light weights, watching yoga on TV. A hard time getting out of bed, wishing to sleep in, stretching one's muscles, pain radiating from the knees. Shoulders stiff and sore, getting professional massages, sitting in a spa, water splashing on sore body parts, warm water, frothy water, water that soothes, water that takes away all pains.

Knowing a lot. Having book knowledge, having street knowledge, clever, smart, sharp in one's brain or hazy in memory, trying to hold on to hope, trying to have good days, following the sun and avoiding a dark attitude. Trying to smile when your lips are sagging. Lines forming on one's face, lines of age, lines of experience.

Worked for a living wearing many different hats. Collecting a pension, getting social security, avoiding trips to the doctor, eating an apple a day instead. Taking one's vitamins, not wanting another pill.

Was a good life, many good memories, many good friendships, been to many funerals, gave birth to many children. Grandchildren sitting on your lap, knitting scarves for the family, cooking for just one. Glad you had a long life, wanting an even longer life, good times ahead, every moment is precious.

Old age, a time to rejoice, a time to celebrate, a time to live some more and more again. A clock that never stops ticking. A long past with a short future, to make happiness out of every minute.