When I was a grade school student, I used to visit my town's old folks' home and sing for the people there. Years later I joined a gospel group that performed regularly in nursing homes. In time I worked in a nursing home and went from that to caring for my parents and others who lived in the neighborhood. I have come full cycle. Now old folks' homes are called Senior Housing. I arrived here at 65 and was immediately nicknamed "the kid". Many other residents were in their 80's. Now that I am not quite seventy, some of those people have passed on and younger seniors have moved in. I am not the kid any longer.
When children come here to sing and perform with their musical instruments, part of me wants to run screaming out the door, "No! No! It's not my time yet!" Instead I smile at their efforts, just as seniors before me smiled at mine. The people here in their 80's love this stuff. Me? I want to grab a microphone and do stand up comedy or get someone who plays the guitar to join us so we can sing some rock songs. I keep mentioning that it would be fun to have a dance, but people here just laugh.
Growing old isn't supposed to mean "grow depressed". While I can enjoy memories from the past, I don't long for the "good old days" nor do I have any desire to be any younger. I love the idea that now there are moments I actually have a clue!
Remember grade school when you used to look out the window and wait for recess? That's where I am now. I'm free to play all day long. I do what I can to convince others to join me, but rather than sit and mutter about life as so many do, I just wander off and have fun.
It's my turn.
Enjoy your play today! 🤗
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