Sitting here in my quiet office. Wilbur is close by, licking his paws and I can hear his metal collar licking the hard wood floor. It's quite a comfort having my animals next to me. I am feeling old and glad for it. I'm reflecting on this past night.
My son came over for a visit. He is a strong, intelligent man with his own opinions and views on modern life. He is older but he is younger.
I always hoped I wouldn't get old and be one of those folks that said, "When I was young..." but, I am there now. I found myself using that dreaded quote. "When I was young,..."
Talking, debating and disagreeing with my son, I had to tell myself to be quiet! LISTEN and LEARN and CHANGE. It was hard for me sometimes but I did the best I could.
The funniest thing about this entire scene is that my dad was right there next to us, quiet as a mouse. He is where I found my inner voice. That old man looked right into my eyes and told me to listen.... without ever saying a word.
My son went home and I went back upstairs to my dad. He's the wisest old man I know. He's 78. As usual, he was sitting in his worn, brown rocker puffing on a Pall Mall. He stared at me with his mischievous smile and I knew what he was saying, I knew what he was thinking.
Change is good. Learn from it, grow from it and accept it.
I didn't say a word and neither did he for a long time. We both stared at the T.V. Dad knew I was working through my thoughts.
Suddenly dad said, "Thanks to all of those young punks the world is going to be a better place."
In my mind I instantly agreed. My son is a very wise man.
So I leave you with that tonight.
Thank-you to all you "young punks". Thanks for taking on the challenges before you and the challenges me and my parents tried to ease, but left behind.
Make this world a better place.
From us "oldies".
