Th Other Side Of Aging

[Deep C]

Now a couple threads ago I wrote about aging and that it sucks as ones body starts going away piece by piece. It indeed tears at ones soul not beaing able to do all that even a couple years ago was a piece of cake. But not all is gloomy on this side of being a spry youth...
In the quiet of the rainy morn we had here today I had a little time to think about it. Life in general, that is. And you know what? It really is good... At this "tween age" I have made enough mistakes to now know how to avoid making them again. A little more wisdom comes my way each day. Learning never quits.... That in itself is such a blessing.
As I poured my third cup of coffee I checked my email. There amongst all the junk was a voice from the past. A friend had found me on facebook I hadn't talked to in years. No, not a class mate. Rather a retired charter captain who had joined me in the Bahamas a few years ago...
Just seeing the name brought back memories. One sticks out as poignant and reminds me why I do what I do....

This fellow is a couple decades my senior. One day after fishing we sat outside the hotel at chub. I was working over a non alcoholic beer and he his beverage of choice. The sun was setting in the breathtaking way it always does there. I looked at him bathed in the late day glow. He was distant and close at the same time. A tear was in his eye... "Paul, when we had that train wreck of whites jumping around today, I was thirty years old again, if just for a few moments... Thank you..."
Bingo! It all comes clear. The joy of aging is memories. I'm in the business of making memories. So many memories for so many people... The upside is that I too share those memories with them. You'ld think that it would all become a blur after so many years, so many people, so many fish. It doesn't. Each one still crisp etched into the canvas of my mind.
My friend has since sold his business. Been fighting a nasty adversary. 60 doses of radiation and 6 rounds of chemo he's beating the demon. Suddenly my aches and pains have no weight to them.
As I pushed the send button with my response all kinds of memories flooded in. Wonder filled trips into yesteryear. I couldn't have had them though without all the years to make them. Maybe getting old isn't all that bad...

[Deep C]

A prayer for my old pal might be in order... Mine has been sent. Hope you can do the same.

[Deep C]

So come on you other older guys ought to have some insight and wisdom to add here...