Just A Thought!

[oldfella]

Do you ever think about your own demise… like in "Get your house in order and get ready to go"? I am either in "denial" or believe I am another Methuselah, as I do not dwell on that thought.

Ten years ago I lost my oldest boy, heart gave out - three months ago I lost one sister, lost the fight to Parkinson decease - two months ago I lost my oldest friend dating back to the big shoot (no, not the Civil War!) – and this week I lost another sister (my last sibling), her heart suddenly gave out. Still my own demise just doesn't register. My inner thoughts, however, tell me that it's about time I start writing things down, it's time to tell where the bodies are buried – ya think? - other than Wills and stuff, that has been done. - Just a thought.

Pete

 

[pawncop]

oldfella,

I work in two (2) professions, healthcare and law enforcement that force me to recognize how rapidly the end of life can occur. As I get older I recognize it intellectually but do not dwell on it as believe it is counter productive.

As former co-workers retire, slow down, or even die, I am reminded I will not be here forever.

But until that day of reckoning comes I will do my very best to go full tilt.

I'll have things sorta in order but shoot - I ain't gonna be bothered with the details when I'm dead.

 

[walter o]

I've been told that the crumpier and crabby you are the longer God makes you stick around to suffer . My wife tells me I have a long time to go, i'm just 72

 

[H Richard]

I did two things. 1. Wrote my will, with a Trinket Clause listing what guns go to who. 2. Wrote a memo "Where everything is". In it is everything I can think of, what the #'s are, where the Key is, who has access, where it is filed, etc. That memo is in an envelope in my top desk drawer.

 

[G-Mac]

I turned fifty the other day and I think about this stuff.

Mainly, I don't want to leave a bunch of loose ends for others people (my wife and son) to have to clean up.

I've got a lot of work to do to be in that position...I'm pretty unorganized.

 

[walkinghorse]

Interesting thoughts Pete, does make you think!

One thing I think back to as I approach 60 this year was how my parents were at this time in their life, and how I could never imagine being at the same point on this path.

 

[feralmerril]

I am 68, been married a total of about 10 to 12 years between two marrages so really spent most my life as a batchlor. (many girl friends in the past). Years ago with no other responsabilitys I guess I lived more on the edge than married friends. Both wifes was/are much younger than me. (12 & 17), my daughter was born when I was over 37 years old. That woke me up and got me thinking and I guess I started tameing down some.
Right now I am fighting a personnal problem. I am old, fat and ugly. Although my wife is a lot younger she also has health problems and I dont want her to ever have to work again. I have fought for about 4 months to get my flight physical back and just won! I havent flown in many years, have a almost antique airplane that is almost finnished being restored. I owned it for close to 35 years. When I was flying many years ago I wasnt a "good" pilot, but a dumb bold one. Now, I feel like I am doing my wife wrong by wanting to fly again. To me, I loved it, but now see it as a challange and a ego trip and selfish I guess. I sure dont want to leave her a widow, and she wont fly with me, besides its the wrong airplane anyway as we are both huge. I am not afraid much for myself as I am a christian, but I dont want to leave my family to fend for themselves either. Hey! How did I run off on this!

 

[morsecode]

I've been told that the crumpier and crabby you are the longer God makes you stick around to suffer . My wife tells me I have a long time to go, i'm just 72

I'll have to go with Walter on this one.

 

[oldfella]

Originally posted by walter o:
I've been told that the crumpier and crabby you are the longer God makes you stick around to suffer . My wife tells me I have a long time to go, i'm just 72

In that case, I have looong ways to go!

Pete

 

[G-Mac]

Pete,

If you don't mind...how old are you now?

Gordy

 

[HUGHP]

Got this e-mail yesterday(my 63rd birthday) from a good friend - might fit here,hope so:

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making
my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful.
But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers,
or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion.

A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

 

[dant]

Old fella, never expect, the "unexpected"...yes, it is inevitable,but noneof us know "when" up to the Good Lord....
yes, you can put your house "in order" and 'yes" better write it down or the state will handle it ALL for you.......
makes it easier for any of the heirs ( survivors) if its written down, or they wil ALL "have a story" you promised this or that to any and all of them.......rest easy and take it easy ,don't sweat the small stuff.........
as Grandpa used to say..."don't get all wrapped up in living, you are not getting out of this life, alive..."

 

[oldfella]

Originally posted by G-Mac:
Pete,

If you don't mind...how old are you now?

Gordy

I ain't tellin', but count your finger on both hands minus two, that's how close I am to the big one.

Pete

 

[Spotteddog]

Pete,
I'd never be so bold as to advise the only grown up member here!
It may make things easier on the one(s) left behind, to have the legal T's crossed and I's dotted. I think that's really the only reason to do any of it?
BTW, No checking out till you finish helping the rest of us grow up!

 

[oldfella]

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
Pete,
I'd never be so bold as to advise the only grown up member here!
It may make things easier on the one(s) left behind, to have the legal T's crossed and I's dotted. I think that's really the only reason to do any of it?
BTW, No checking out till you finish helping the rest of us grow up!

All of that is done, just the small details that become a big deal when the time comes need attention. Like where are things, who to contact, etc. I've already told my Missus NOT be be giving things away. Since I don't have much, sell anything and everything that's worth anything - she'll need to keep and hold every penny she can get her hands on... things are bad enough as it is, and are not going to get any easier. Yes, I need to do that, one of these days.

Pete

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[gunlovingirl]

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
Pete,
I'd never be so bold as to advise the only grown up member here!
It may make things easier on the one(s) left behind, to have the legal T's crossed and I's dotted. I think that's really the only reason to do any of it?
BTW, No checking out till you finish helping the rest of us grow up!

I have no choice about growing older, but I refuse to grow up!

 

[Erich]

Pete, it's funny how often this conversation comes up with lawyer types. And funny how few of them have wills.

You know, if you have kids it makes sense to have everything planned out for the unexpected. But as far as child-free Gina and myself? If one of us dies, the other gets everything; if both of us goes, who cares? I keep meaning to write out a list of who would probably most appreciate what in the event that I unexpectedly meet my demise and Gina has to dole out my personal effects, but I just always have many better things to do than worry about what happens to stuff after I'm gone.

Of much greater concern to me has been thinking about how I hope that I can make the world a little bit better - I've certainly experienced unexpected kindness in the world and take it as a sign that God loves us. I hope that I manage to occasionally bring a little of that to folks, myself.

You certainly have, though, and you should know that we appreciate it, amigo.

 

[29aholic]

I believe God put me on this planet to accomplish a certain amount of things. I am so far behind I'll live for ever.

Dying doesnt scare me as much as not being able to work.

 

[Spotteddog]

Alright Pete.
I'm figuring smarter folks than me are now on this job? So, since the smarter ones are doing it, can I borrow the car? I promise to be in by 10 and take the garbage out to the street too!

 

[oldfella]

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
Alright Pete.
I'm figuring smarter folks than me are now on this job? So, since the smarter ones are doing it, can I borrow the car? I promise to be in by 10 and take the garbage out to the street too!

OK - but keep the inside "clean".

Pete