allelli's VirtualTourist Home Page

One day my young patient asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken a back, for I do not think of myself as OLD. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it and let her know. Old age, I decided, is a gift I am now,probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over 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 more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cakes & sweets or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly things 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 expend my money for unlimited travel, or if I choose to chat or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and sleep until noon? I will sing to those wonderful tunes of the 80's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach or pool in a swim suit
that is stretched over a bulging body, I don’t care for what they think or say I 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. 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 and BE HAPPY!!!.