Thoughts on Aging

Some things grow more valuable with age. Take cars, for instance. Those old models, fifty or more years old, aren’t they lovely? If they’ve been well cared for, they still purr down the highway, classic lines gleaming in the sunshine.

And gems! I prefer antique jewelry that has been well-loved through the years. Gold never loses its value, diamonds and emeralds still glitter in the sunlight. Their worth isn’t dimmed by years.

But, people? Well, I don’t know. Babies are certainly more cuddly, more beautiful, more entertaining. And, those teenage and young adult years? They are interesting and full of lessons for us older people to learn as we watch the youngsters so full of hope and intelligence. They are the ones upon whom the future depends.

Then, there are the aged ones–wiser than in the past; at least, we hope so. Not nearly as pretty or handsome, lines blurred, eyesight, hearing, agility–all those things not quite up to snuff any more. But, within that gray or balding head, there are many stories, many lessons learned. Only thing is, now that we have time to tell them, nobody has time to listen.

So, we sort of band together in Sunday school classes reserved just for us, in retirement homes, within a circle of friends who share common experiences and limitations. If re-painted, re-furbished, aging parts replaced, would we purr on down the road, like those classic cars? Are we still beautiful to those who treasure antiques? To the people who really matter, I believe we are!