"A nurse practitioner told me at a recent annual physical that I was 'adorable.' So, I have officially reached the 'adorable' stage of the male life. Not what I had I had been looking forward to."
71 hear also. Thank you for confirming I’m not the only grandparent that thinks about not experiencing their grandchildren’s lives down the road. We moved to be near them and that is giving me life. They lift me up. It has given me purpose to be here as long as I can. This house is senior citizen appropriate…our forever home (after moving with husband’s jobs) it will offer space for caregivers and life. My dad (94) is still in his home…I couldn’t do that to our kids.
Adorable beats deplorable. Don’t knock it. But at 86, I’m still seeking “fun” and meaning even if only to myself. it comes in so many forms— like writing and meeting new friends of any age and being there for old friends.
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom —they resonated deeply with me.
I love that you have traveled extensively and have lived in other countries. Your wisdom is deep and important.
It’s inspiring that you still do athletic adventures (like the 10k). And yes, at 70s things we do physically are a bit challenging.
The part you shared about the grandkids only being interested in the love you give them, not in your past positions in the world, was profound. Perhaps that is exactly the job God wants for you know. The love giver!
And wow, a masters program in writing! You will sail through this with high grades. Thank you for sharing these experiences with such honesty and clarity.
Loved this one! That he walked the Camino de Santiago and is just starting an MFA in creative writing, super cool. And the story of the pink birds made me laugh, loved that he could admit that wasn’t his favorite way to celebrate and now plans his own milestone birthday celebrations.
A good philosophy for a tough day. The only way is forward. Personally, I have been watching old, terrible X Factor auditions and videos about rescued pitbulls.
Thank you for this post and for sharing your experience Doug. I have made many notes :) This in particular stood out for me. At a time when my Dad has advanced dementia and will be unable to do this, it's such a valuable guiding light to have...'making decisions for myself before someone else has to make those decisions for me.' I am sure I will re-read this article again and again. Bless you. Thank you. Anita xx
Sari, loved this story of Doug’s. I can relate to much of what he says despite me choosing to leave religion entirely at 52 years of age. Now, at 64, i am freer, clearer and (sort of) content like Doug suggests he is. Yay for getting older frankly.
I'm not trying to sell my memoir but the one featured in the interview (thanks, Sari!) contains plenty of disillusionment. I'm so sorry to learn of your own struggle.
This was a such a balm this morning.
Glad to hear. For me, too. :)
71 hear also. Thank you for confirming I’m not the only grandparent that thinks about not experiencing their grandchildren’s lives down the road. We moved to be near them and that is giving me life. They lift me up. It has given me purpose to be here as long as I can. This house is senior citizen appropriate…our forever home (after moving with husband’s jobs) it will offer space for caregivers and life. My dad (94) is still in his home…I couldn’t do that to our kids.
This was what I needed waking up this morning.
Yes, I needed this, too. <3
Adorable beats deplorable. Don’t knock it. But at 86, I’m still seeking “fun” and meaning even if only to myself. it comes in so many forms— like writing and meeting new friends of any age and being there for old friends.
this is so good for now-- helps me think a few years forward!
:)
Doug (and Sari),
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom —they resonated deeply with me.
I love that you have traveled extensively and have lived in other countries. Your wisdom is deep and important.
It’s inspiring that you still do athletic adventures (like the 10k). And yes, at 70s things we do physically are a bit challenging.
The part you shared about the grandkids only being interested in the love you give them, not in your past positions in the world, was profound. Perhaps that is exactly the job God wants for you know. The love giver!
And wow, a masters program in writing! You will sail through this with high grades. Thank you for sharing these experiences with such honesty and clarity.
Loved this one! That he walked the Camino de Santiago and is just starting an MFA in creative writing, super cool. And the story of the pink birds made me laugh, loved that he could admit that wasn’t his favorite way to celebrate and now plans his own milestone birthday celebrations.
Thank you Sari and Doug! Needed this.
Me, too. <3
So many beautiful little gems, I loved the part about aspiring to be someone your grandkids want to be with.
Love this so much! What a healthy outlook on life. I shared this newsletter with two family members because I liked it so much. Thank you!!
Grateful for these words this rough morning; a good reminder that our adventures are not over.
<3
A good philosophy for a tough day. The only way is forward. Personally, I have been watching old, terrible X Factor auditions and videos about rescued pitbulls.
P.S. Yes, forward is the only way.
Oh, those sound great. When I run out of slime videos, I'll look for those. <3
Thank you for this post and for sharing your experience Doug. I have made many notes :) This in particular stood out for me. At a time when my Dad has advanced dementia and will be unable to do this, it's such a valuable guiding light to have...'making decisions for myself before someone else has to make those decisions for me.' I am sure I will re-read this article again and again. Bless you. Thank you. Anita xx
Running makes one like those decade changes! Sometimes I’m the only one in my age group, that is, first in age group!
All of us "of a certain age" (aka 70s) needed to see this. Thank you for your honesty, sincerity and age felt perspective. ALL you said is important.
:)
I loved this essay so much!!! So honest and encouraging!! Thank you!!
Sari, loved this story of Doug’s. I can relate to much of what he says despite me choosing to leave religion entirely at 52 years of age. Now, at 64, i am freer, clearer and (sort of) content like Doug suggests he is. Yay for getting older frankly.
I'm not trying to sell my memoir but the one featured in the interview (thanks, Sari!) contains plenty of disillusionment. I'm so sorry to learn of your own struggle.
Thanks for chiming in, Rob. Yay, indeed!