Saturday, January 28, 2012

Day 24, January 28

A friend remarked upon a mutual acquaintance, "He's a good example of how not to age." It was a sad commentary, made even sadder when I found myself nodding in agreement.

The individual in question is totally wrapped up in himself, extending little to others while expecting much from them. (Unfortunately, this too frequently describes me, a wake up call to change.)

In contrast, I could not help but think of my Aunt Mae. I have written of her before, a valiant 87 years young. Though she doesn't drive, Aunt Mae makes a point of doing something nice for someone else every day--a card, a call, a prayer. A pot of beans simmering on the stove, a cake baking in the oven will often be found in her kitchen as she prepares to share her modest means with others. A prayer jar is always close by so that she can pick a name from it to offer a special prayer for that person.

Anti-aging products abound in the stores and the online virtual stores. There are creams for our eyes, creams for our faces, creams for our necks and chest. There is even a butt-lifting cream. (How much cream does it take to lift one's butt, anyway?)

This I know for sure: aging is inevitable. How we handle it has less to do with the wrinkles we wear than the lives we have touched.

1 comment:

  1. You're right. We need fewer butt lifts (I have no idea how much cream it would take, but I'd guess a lot in my case), instead lifting our butt off the couch (even if only figuratively) to help others. We need more examples of how to age.

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