I saw a man last week who I’ve known for most of my life. He is a local legend as a football coach. I had not seen him in years. I first recognized his wife walking beside him and as my eyes shifted to him I was in disbelief. This former tower of a man was now slowly walking with a cane and had become an old man. His face was recognizable but had aged. I could see that walking was not comfortable.
We all age or we die. That is reality but my question is, why am I so surprised and saddened when I see an acquaintance that has now aged?
Maybe I don’t want to face the reality of my own aging or that I don’t want to lose youth. Maybe it is because I don’t want my own life to end or leave those I love. Or maybe it is because I can’t see myself growing old and feeble. Whatever the reason, I am surprised at my reaction to seeing a natural progression in life.
We are born, age, and die unless we pass unexpectedly. To have sad feelings about natural life stages is a wonder to me. It just happens. Suck it up buttercup!
Answering the Call 