Turning another page deeper into the final chapters of your life…I’ve finally realized that it’s fine to simply be a better version of yourself.
Today, for me, is chapter 74 of that great James Michener-length novel of one’s life.
And if you don’t know who Michener is, he was an American novelist known for writing books that were so long that you lost track of the characters at the beginning of the book by the time you finished it.
If you even finished it.
Technical Roofing proudly sponsors the Midwest Athletic Conference on Press Pros Magazine.com.
Hawaii…Texas…books of immense length, twists, and turns, that were so deeply-researched by the author that finishing one became a life’s work. A professor in college once shared in his journalism class that to read a Michener book you will might soon realize, “No one needs to know that much about anybody. Or,” he added. “be so infatuated with yourself as a writer.”
At 74, today, it’s taken me fifty years to figure out what Walt Siefert meant by that. But now I think I get it…what’s been there all along. Life is a series of choices, or chocolates, Forrest. And we don’t need big, fat books.
Or to take declining civilization so seriously. My friends in faith will be happy to hear that. Because, there really is something better just ahead. I don’t have any earthly evidence of that, but I maintain a good hope, and for reasons I can’t justify to the average schlep. Not yet!
I really don’t get upset by Trump, AOC, or anyone else. I make my own bed. I’ll sleep in it.
Supreme Court rulings don’t bother me because I pretty much stay in my lane. No reason to break new ground at this point.
Security of life is pretty much done and done. Better to be the ant, I’ve learned, and not the grasshopper.
I look back over life at the influences – the people – who may or may not have meant me harm, and for a time, perhaps, caused me setback. None of it matters now. I come from a long line of grudge keepers – was a card-carrying member myself at one time when my first choices out of college fizzled – but I learned. Truly, none of it matters now.
Nostalgia and reliving the past just don’t mix. You hurt for too long, afterwards.
Work and challenge have been life’s sanctuary. I’ve accomplished a few things along the way that were satisfying for a time. But like chapter one in a Michener book, by the time I’m done, I probably won’t remember them much.
The simple things bring me the greatest pleasure. An image…a sound…renewal. And they don’t require closet space. What’s in your heart is so much easier to store.
And history! American history, dammit. What we’ve done, and why we’ve done it.
These days the experience of observing others is my education, not math and English. I haven’t figured the volume of a silo in years, or even thought about pi r squared. I don’t think about similes and metaphors anymore. Life is a simile…and a metaphor.
People both inspire, and depress me, and more with each passing day. Everyone believes they deserve a trophy, and nothing could be further from the truth.
We’re plagued by politicians. Condemned, more likely. Don’t you laugh when you hear them talk about the need to govern? And we just keep doubling down.
The revered Lincoln – best we ever had – said about his own cabinet: “The only thing they won’t steal is a red-hot stove.”
Mark Twain added, “Politicians and diapers should be changed often, and for the same reason.” And somehow we continue to believe.
The institution with which I now claim fellowship – media – is much like believing the weather forecast. How easy it is, apparently, to observe an inch of snow and ask us to believe it’s an avalanche.
Huffer Chiropractic can help your athlete perform at their best – with offices in Osgood, Jackson Center, Marysville, and Dublin, OhioThe institution with which I find fellowship – media – is as reliable as the weather. How easy it is to confuse an inch of snow with an avalanche!
We’re now electing Communists to run cities, because we just don’t learn. What was it P.T. Barnum said…about one being born every minute?
Affordability has never been an issue. That is, if you live within your means. If you can’t afford New York City, move to Brookville. You’ll like it.
We exist off taxes and spending. We waste money with a sense of nobility, and never question the return on investment. I’ve never listened to NPR. In fact, I don’t know anyone who does.
To conclude, I appreciate having aged and I don’t mind more limited expectations.
My high school English teacher, Don Flinn, always equated life with writing. And told me that there’s no such thing as good writing. There’s only good re-writing. What he meant was…just keep doing it until you get it right. But no guarantees.
The disappointments, hard feelings, failures, and people have made me appreciate the journey. And ain’t it sad about the time you can’t get back? Coulda’ done more with it.
But didn’t.
It’s why we all hope, one way or another, there’s something better yet to come.
Thank you all for the kind wishes!