As one ages, their perspective of life, in general, tends to become mundane and then intense in a matter of moments. When once Christmas came every million years, it now comes every three months. When the difference between a 2nd grader and a 4th grader was, like grandparents and kids, it is now the  age difference of people we befriend,date, maybe and marry.

And, as we age, we lose lots of things, including a firm body, naturally blond hair, the ability to wear a 2 piece anything, chemistry formulas, and friends.

For this reason, I’ve begun reading the obituaries.  I no longer live in the same town where I was born or raised, however, I to cling to many wonderful memories and friendships.  It still is a surprise, however, to see friends die.  I am 68…..and, as one once stated, “68 when I look in the mirror, and 28 when I look away”.

Today, I see the obituary of one gal I never knew personally, however, it would have been a pleasure to meet.  Her  name is Joan and she was born in Pittsburg, Pa. on a wintry day in December. She grew up loving softball, tennis and the outdoors. She was married to Alan for 58 years and together, they ran a honeybee business. Joan laughed and cried. She loved and forgave. She learned and blossomed with her kids, cherishing the opportunity to work in her community.

Then  there was Al, who died at age 91 after a brief illness.  Al formerly lived in Akron, Ohio before retiring. He served in the Army and was in Vietnam for 9 years with the 101st Airborne where he earned many badges and medals.  He loved his wife Sarah and they were married for over 42 years.After his tours, he became a policeman and was very very proud of his work there.

Helen passed away having lived the wonderful profession of being a housewife and professional in small midwestern town.  She and her parents and siblings had grown up during the depression, farming their land next to her grandparents.  She became a nurse and worked until her children were born. After the third one was in school, she went back to her beloved nursing and worked for another 20 years.  She was active in her church, in scouting, and dedicated to husband and children. She left children, grand and great-grand children, and many friends. 

All of these wonderful, ordinary people, touched more wonderful and ordinary people, to make this life better.  They may have had gardens, they may have volunteered at church, they may have done bake sales, and they may have invented what you use today. And now they are a memory.

When I was a kid, I believed my parents, and grandparents, would live forever.  Now I know….they do live forever, only here in my heart, and in their heaven together.  So as my heart aches for family and friends, theirs are rejoicing as they are, once again, reunited with family and friends. Who knows,…….they may talk about their abundant gardens, or how they made it out of the war.  They may remember the depression, and also the Christmas of 47, as their children waited for Santa.  And, I hope they remember us…….

Til we meet again…..