And just like that, it’s all over
- col-lee-elliot-aging-graciously
- January 7, 2025
- 406
And just like that, it’s all over: the food, the dinners, the music, the gifts, all the planning. I received many gifts I hadn’t asked for this year: two visits from the very nice, capable and expensive plumber, who earned his money with excellent work; a three-day trip to my favorite vet; and a particularly nice donation to USPS. Along with fun gifts for the 5 1/2 great-grands and a couple of big expenses coming up, I believe I contributed mightily this year.
Now, already, it is time for you know what. I know it is old and out of fashion, but I still make New Year’s resolutions, and I actually keep many of them. The usuals are lose a few pounds, eat and drink more healthily, improve on any musical skills, write even more, do something nice for someone every day, stay in close touch with friends and family, entertain more (I still love to cook and set a nice table), and plant my sauerkraut cabbage in the greenhouse so the moths don’t ruin it.
I’ve thought long and hard about this year’s resolutions. At my age I don’t think I should have to deal with things that keep me from enjoying the life I have left. So I’ve decided on the following:
—Use FaceTime once a week with members of my family who are far away. If I can’t hold those babies, at least they can know who I am and that I love them.
—Stay in close phone contact with dear friends. We are leaving each other at a rapid rate.
—Accept the fact some people may not like me and don’t try to fix it. Drop them. If I am done in by someone, forget it and move to another venue.
—Never set foot in the major local store where you can get anything you want except good service … the store where clerks stand around and complain loudly about their jobs and their troubles but don’t wait on customers unless asked and only then with deep sighs of resignation … the store where no one smiles and all answers are short but not sweet.
My biggest resolution, though, is to be grateful for the good things in my life. I am so amazed many of my 70-, 80- and 90-year-old friends and acquaintances are still healthy and totally capable. We drive, most of us well, attend and support everything offered in the area, take care of ourselves, and enjoy the company of young and old alike. Our minds are still viable, and we know what is going on in the world. Most of us still work, whether in regular jobs or as volunteers.
It is something special to have gone through the rigors of life and still be a contributing member of society. If we can’t think of a word now and then, it’s OK — just a matter of having a full brain. We should be proud and count ourselves fortunate. It’s a good feeling — one that could last a whole year.
So to you of all ages, let’s pitch in together to make 2025 a truly Happy New Year.