Getting Older

Getting Older

I live in a quiet little community surrounded by senior citizens. Most of us live alone in our little one bedroom apartments. The most popular pastime around here seems to be looking out the window and watching the neighbors. But for me, that passing of time has paid off, because it has allowed me to learn about some differences in our society.

For example, every woman here has visitors on a regular basis. When they're sick, need groceries, or just because it is a weekend or holiday, their children or grandchildren come and spend time with them. On the other hand, I very seldom ever see the family members visiting the men.

Another thing I have noticed about life, as I get older, is that I seem to spend more time thinking about my past. I have fond memories of my teenage years because this was the time when my life was filled with hope. I had so many dreams of things that I wanted to accomplish. I had fantasies of how wonderful my life was going to be.

I also spend time remembering the days when I was a husband and father. I remember that joy of decorating the house together with the children for every holiday. I remember us and spending time together as a family. We went places together. We played together, and we learned together.

I remember helping the kids build a snowman in the yard one year where I took a can of light green spray paint and painted a checkered vest on the snowman. I remember the day I took the training wheels off my youngest son's bicycle. I remember the first time two of my boys came to me for help when they had car problems.

I remember taking the entire family fishing and taking the boys out early in the mornings after a fresh snow, to go rabbit hunting. I remember teaching the kids how to play chess and that the best part of playing cowboys and Indians was getting shot so you could fall down and play dead. I also remember becoming a Cub Scout leader so that I could stay involved in their activities and education.

Basically I was a normal guy. I was a father, step father, husband, son, stepson, uncle, nephew and brother. I was surrounded by family and friends.

But times have changed. My parents have passed away and my children have moved away. I have many regrets in life, but the time that I spent with my family is not one of them. Even though my parents are gone, I am still their son. Even though my son lives in another part of the country, I am still his father. Even though I am alone, I still have my memories.