Sydney Lea Oldster Essays

The Good Old Days?

Offering a lift to an elder walking along the road leads Sydney Lea to evaluate our nostalgia for times that were, in retrospect, quite challenging.

Feb 2 • Oldster Magazine and Sydney Lea

An Auld Acquaintance, Not Forgot

At the new year, 83-year-old Sydney Lea reflects on a friendship from his teenage years.

Dec 30, 2025 • Oldster Magazine and Sydney Lea

Final Visit with a Neighbor

Sydney Lea reflects on the last words he heard from friend.

Jul 24, 2025 • Sydney Lea

Jabs, Real and Imagined

Sydney Lea looks back at the badly behaved young boy he was, and with newfound fondness for the teacher who sought to set him straight.

Jan 27, 2025 • Sydney Lea

The Things that Remain

Sydney Lea weighs the transience of life against the staying power of certain memories.

Aug 26, 2024 • Sydney Lea

Grandfather's Songs

In his 80s, Sydney Lea tries to piece together a fuller picture of his hot-tempered grandfather, who died when Lea was just 5.

Apr 29, 2024 • Sydney Lea

On a hike, 80-year-old Sydney Lea is confronted by the beauty, cruelty, and surprising heartiness of nature.

Jan 22, 2024 • Sydney Lea

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