What advantage is there to being a senior?

[bud]

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.

     

   As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

   

   I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

   

   Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?

     

   I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

   

   I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

   They, too, will get old.

   

   I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

   

   Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

     

   .

   

   I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

   

   So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

   

   As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore..

   I've even earned the right to be wrong.

   

   So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

[backporch22]

Bud, very enjoyable reading that post.  Hope you make it too 110.

[snubsforme]

Bud, you are just amazing, what a wonderful way to look at age.  I just read this to my wife (I'm 63, you Know I can't tell you her age) and sent it to some friends who are in our age group.

   

   See, gun forum topics aren't always just about guns. Sometimes, they're about this wonderful life God has given us that we want to protect and enjoy.  Bud understands this and has given us a precious look into his soul.

   

   Thanks Bud.

[chopprs]

Bud, you are THE MAN!!!

   

   (......got any cookies left? )

[rjtravel]

You're not old when your hair turns gray;

        You're not old when your teeth decay;

             But brother you're headed for life's long last sleep;

                   When your mind makes appointments that your body can't keep.

[chopprs]

.....as long as Mr. Johnson keeps all of his appointments poppa will be happy!!!!!!!!

[ephraim]

Bud,

   Well said. In a great many ways, I am sure you told the story for a lot of us! The past is gone and tomorrow may never come. Make the most of the day.

   E!

[cookieruffruff]

stock up on viagera chopps, all never mind yer still a pup .....wippersnapper...........jus wait young feller lol.  hell ya prolly aint got a grey hair yet........ya even old nuff ta shave lol haaaahaaaaaaahhha    ruffruff

[chopprs]

My wife has FORBID me to be in any vicinity of Viagara for at least another twenty years.....I am .....well, I am a tad ridiculous already. We can leave it there.........

   Thanx for the love though! :

   ...and if I had hair it would be gray, yes!

[grayelky]

Bud-

   As I set here reading, I was wondering if the rain is coming. You see, my shoulders are aching, and I was trying to ignore them. Then I read your post. Thanks for helping.

[bama22]

I had thought of ONE reason,..........then I forgot.

   

   Atta boy Bud !  Nice post.

   

   Knees say rain, weather channel shows rain in Arkansas -- headed right for us it seems, we need it. Parched in B"ham.