Nicely done, Rob. I could pick up your story and add 14 years to it. I've seen two of my three children retire (early), my grandchildren enter their 30s, and my wife of 60 years pass. The time is still accelerating but I have retained my interests and passions, a circle of friends that include younger people, and the desire to see what's around the next bend. Life is still interesting and exciting.
This is cute, and now, especially since my 88-year-old father has moved in with Dave and me, it's on my mind a lot... How to grow old gracefully. How to not say slang words that make us look ridiculous... how to banter with young adults without being shocked that they WANT to banter with us... How to navigate how much my niece reminds me of me at her age (cringe). So many things involved. Honestly. Are we beautiful yet?
Hi Kelly. Much to consider. As you say, how not to look dumb, etc. Our daughter, husb and family want us to move in with them for the rest of our years. We'd like to. We love that she wants to. But we wonder if they'll live to regret it!
Ok. This is big! As one who lives with Dad, I love that he's here. I feel better knowing he's safe. This saying, he's got a lot of physical issues that you and your wife likely don't have yet. If you're ready to move in with your daughter's family, and that's what you want to do, do it. Just all decide together, if you want my two cents (as I have a LOT of family that shows up announced, but a few outliers who come unnanounced), and make sure you can - each of you - say what you need to say with the understanding that no one's going to take it personally. I had a boss once who said, "There's only one queen in the castle," alluding to how women aren't easy on each other. I might add, as the ONLY queen in my castle, the same is true for my stubborn guys... There's only one KING. So talk about everything. That's what I think. AND! I also think it's a great idea for everyone to be together - to form, as Ben Franklin said, "A Republic (if you can keep it.). That's my big piece of unsolicited advice.
This IS big! Thanks, K, for the advice. Smart, wise advice.
We're still talking it through. Probably happens in 2026. Biggest issue (I GUESS should be talking about this publicly on Substack...)....is : all together in one big home? Or....semi-private in-law suite? Mostly older adults I talk to stress....the latter.
I think in-law suite - because it gives both kings and queens the air they may need - then when everyone comes together, it's by choice. And that's a happy medium in my book!
Yes Rob, you are definitely expressing what allot of us are feeling! When I wake up in the morning , I lay there and plan what I would like to accomplish that day. And most of the time I consider myself lucky if I get one thing completed. Just can’t move like i use too. But, God is good! I just keep reminding myself of that!
Thank you Rob for taking the time to share your thoughts and views, I love reading them. I have often thought “is this all there is” about my life. Definitely need to do some pondering myself. Stay well! Prayers to you and your family.
Just read this to my 83 year old husband (I am a young 81 year old for another month), and we both loved this and can relate entirely! Thank you for your God given talent for writing!
You are brushing your teeth. You look in the mirror. Didn't I just do this?
Also, the number of visits to the doctor, even normal ones that aren't all that scary, keep showing up in your schedule. One part of your body seems to be at war with another.
Losing weight. Drink lots of water. Aging prostate and kidney-stone issues (I have had 27). Drink lots of water. That means more trips to bathroom. TMI
Buddy at the gym this morning tells me he’s on a drug that has the effect of lowering his testosterone — and another one that boosts testosterone. Talk about an in-the-body war.
Loved this reflection, Rob. I turn 40 this month and have been thinking so much about how fast life is going! It’s so hard (but necessary) to create a habit of pausing and thanking and laughing. God tells the greatest living stories.
Thanks, Rob. You're expressing well what a lot of us feel. Praying that your cancer stays checked, although sadly not checkmated.
Thank you sir. Pressing on toward the goal. New body on order!
Nicely done, Rob. I could pick up your story and add 14 years to it. I've seen two of my three children retire (early), my grandchildren enter their 30s, and my wife of 60 years pass. The time is still accelerating but I have retained my interests and passions, a circle of friends that include younger people, and the desire to see what's around the next bend. Life is still interesting and exciting.
Thanks, Eric. Well said. The acceleration is going strong, but so are you. Love it. Thanks for reading.
This is cute, and now, especially since my 88-year-old father has moved in with Dave and me, it's on my mind a lot... How to grow old gracefully. How to not say slang words that make us look ridiculous... how to banter with young adults without being shocked that they WANT to banter with us... How to navigate how much my niece reminds me of me at her age (cringe). So many things involved. Honestly. Are we beautiful yet?
Hi Kelly. Much to consider. As you say, how not to look dumb, etc. Our daughter, husb and family want us to move in with them for the rest of our years. We'd like to. We love that she wants to. But we wonder if they'll live to regret it!
Ok. This is big! As one who lives with Dad, I love that he's here. I feel better knowing he's safe. This saying, he's got a lot of physical issues that you and your wife likely don't have yet. If you're ready to move in with your daughter's family, and that's what you want to do, do it. Just all decide together, if you want my two cents (as I have a LOT of family that shows up announced, but a few outliers who come unnanounced), and make sure you can - each of you - say what you need to say with the understanding that no one's going to take it personally. I had a boss once who said, "There's only one queen in the castle," alluding to how women aren't easy on each other. I might add, as the ONLY queen in my castle, the same is true for my stubborn guys... There's only one KING. So talk about everything. That's what I think. AND! I also think it's a great idea for everyone to be together - to form, as Ben Franklin said, "A Republic (if you can keep it.). That's my big piece of unsolicited advice.
AND! From the point of view of a daughter, I may regret some moments, but never will I ever regret that he's here.
This IS big! Thanks, K, for the advice. Smart, wise advice.
We're still talking it through. Probably happens in 2026. Biggest issue (I GUESS should be talking about this publicly on Substack...)....is : all together in one big home? Or....semi-private in-law suite? Mostly older adults I talk to stress....the latter.
I think in-law suite - because it gives both kings and queens the air they may need - then when everyone comes together, it's by choice. And that's a happy medium in my book!
Whether time is our best friend, or our worst enemy, is surely the best measure of our faith in God.
Yes Rob, you are definitely expressing what allot of us are feeling! When I wake up in the morning , I lay there and plan what I would like to accomplish that day. And most of the time I consider myself lucky if I get one thing completed. Just can’t move like i use too. But, God is good! I just keep reminding myself of that!
Excellent, Beverly. Though we’re slower and creakier, God remains good!
Thank you Rob for taking the time to share your thoughts and views, I love reading them. I have often thought “is this all there is” about my life. Definitely need to do some pondering myself. Stay well! Prayers to you and your family.
So beautifully said! Life goes by quickly and seems more so the older you get! But, God is Good - All the time God is Good!!!
It’s going by in a rush! Thank you, Shirley.
Just read this to my 83 year old husband (I am a young 81 year old for another month), and we both loved this and can relate entirely! Thank you for your God given talent for writing!
You’re both young! Thanks for reading and sending a comment. I appreciate it.
You are brushing your teeth. You look in the mirror. Didn't I just do this?
Also, the number of visits to the doctor, even normal ones that aren't all that scary, keep showing up in your schedule. One part of your body seems to be at war with another.
Losing weight. Drink lots of water. Aging prostate and kidney-stone issues (I have had 27). Drink lots of water. That means more trips to bathroom. TMI
Turn, Turn, Turn
Buddy at the gym this morning tells me he’s on a drug that has the effect of lowering his testosterone — and another one that boosts testosterone. Talk about an in-the-body war.
Thanks, tmatt. New body coming some day.
Loved this reflection, Rob. I turn 40 this month and have been thinking so much about how fast life is going! It’s so hard (but necessary) to create a habit of pausing and thanking and laughing. God tells the greatest living stories.
Thanks so much, Pierce. You turned 40! Makes me smile. Our youngest kid also just turned 40. God is good.
Reminds me of the song..
Time passes much too quickly...but then I ponder...does it?
Some seasons of life yes but others perhaps not.
Waiting on the Lord in my 7th decade of life knowing his promises won't disappoint!!
Yes, indeed. Much to ponder while we wait on Him. Thanks, Donna.