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drak's sekrits

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On Being Old

Drak

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As a young man exploring the gay subculture for the first time, twenty-five seemed the outer limit, old age in the youth-centered gay scene I was exploring. Once I reached twenty-five, I decided that was not so bad after all, but everything must be downhill after thirty. After reaching geezerhood at thirty, the time had come to open my mind to a new way of thinking about age.

 

Now that I am, shall we say, older than thirty, I'm happier than I ever was. I'm legally married now, thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of our brave gay and lesbian activists. I'm comfortable if not rich. I have a settled, sensible and orderly life devoid of drama and confusion. None of this was true when I was young, single, poor, and lonely, playing at love with one Mr., Ms., or Mrs. Wrong after the other.

 

Truth be told, I'd rather be old than young. Granted, I am not as pretty as I used to be, but that does not matter very much. I was never so vain about my appearance as to spend much time looking in a mirror. What remains important to me is my inner world, thoughts and ideas, and those are just as poignant now as they were back in my lonely years. Chess, books, television shows, writing, conversation, and walks in the park are just as fun now as they were back then.

 

Young man, envy those of eighty. Do not pity your gray and withered elders, because they have already banked many good and productive years, which can never be taken away from them, not by misfortune and not even by death. Pity the young, such as yourself, because your fate remains unclear, subject to the whims of Destiny. I expressed this thought to a young man at a dinner party, and he retorted, "Why wouldn't a young person make it to old age!" The thought of tragedy seems strange to the young of today, lucky ones who do not attend funerals of those slain by AIDS, war, or shootings. Sheltered ones, who live comfortable lives in loving homes, you are lucky, but destiny has a long reach. Even if death seems remote to you now, It is a good thing to make it to old age, a rare thing, I tell you now. It is fine and splendid to appreciate what Sinatra named "the dregs of life," which can be just as good as the first sips from the cup.

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MikeL

MikeL 2,841

Posted

Do not pity your gray and withered elders, because they have already banked many good and productive years, which can never be taken away from them, not by misfortune and not even by death.

 

 

Thanks, ever so much.

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Daddydavek

Daddydavek 42,251

Posted

After seeing so many die at relatively young ages, I can't help being humbled by my good fortune at being alive and healthy.  

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Toast

Toast 1,951

Posted

I had an acquaintance/friend who walked for exercise, a lot. Ten miles a day in all kinds of weather. I thought he was in his early sixties and very well preserved. But as I got to know him I found out he was in his middle nineties. He was one of the most charismatic and attractive men I have ever encountered. 

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comicfan

comicfan 13,381

Posted

The old have knowledge and life's worth of experience. The things you learn, the things you discover, and the things you share. You are never too old til you stop trying, and you are only too young if you don't ask questions.

MikeL

MikeL 2,841

Posted

This morning I shook hands with and wished a happy birthday to a man who is 99 years old.  That's quite a milestone.  I can't reasonably expect to live that long.  My parents died in  their eighties.  My father's sister died at 42.  Both of my grandmothers died in their forties...before I was even born.  I occasionally tell people that I never had a grandmother.

 

I know I must best satisfied with the years I have, however many and make the most of that time.

 

"Do not pity your gray and withered elders, because they have already banked many good and productive years, which can never be taken away from them, not by misfortune and not even by death."  Thanks for that sentiment, Drak.

Drak

Drak 140

Posted

This morning I shook hands with and wished a happy birthday to a man who is 99 years old.  That's quite a milestone.  I can't reasonably expect to live that long.  My parents died in  their eighties.  My father's sister died at 42.  Both of my grandmothers died in their forties...before I was even born.  I occasionally tell people that I never had a grandmother.

 

I know I must best satisfied with the years I have, however many and make the most of that time.

 

"Do not pity your gray and withered elders, because they have already banked many good and productive years, which can never be taken away from them, not by misfortune and not even by death."  Thanks for that sentiment, Drak.

 

I mean we are lucky to make it this far. A lot of people don't make it. Some of my friends didn't make it. I don't regret being my age. Instead, it's a gift. All those memories that can't be taken away. All that time. The future's uncertain, and who knows what will happen? We live in the golden age here.

 

Well, yeah. I don't expect to see 80, let alone 99. I'd be happy to make it to 75.

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