By Faith Brown
Look who’s getting old—all of us. Do we welcome the prospect of aging? Not usually. But the only way to avoid getting old is to die young, and who wants that? We all want to be remembered by creating healthy contributions to the world. Some people write a book of memories, some resolve family relationships, some do volunteer work, enriching the community. Like an autumn harvest, our personal history is evaluated, gathered, and celebrated.
In this autumn of our lives, we take pleasure in what we have accomplished and accept that there are things we will never do. Like the fallen leaves that drop to the ground, unrealized dreams are beyond our control. Can we learn to embrace all aspects in the autumn of our lives? There is much to enjoy and much to mourn. We cherish continuity, but, like trees letting go of their leaves, we, too, must let go. The bare trees of autumn provide a metaphor for the central questions of aging: Are the “Golden Years” truly golden? Sometimes we view these years with regret . . . the loss of hair, the loss of loved ones, and the waning of vigor and health.
We can see aging negatively or filled with wisdom and tranquility. We can feel all of those things, but mostly aging is a continuation of our former selves, an individual event that can be done with despair or with purpose. The choice is ours! Whatever loss you will have to endure, you can reflect on yourself with humor, optimism, and grace. With the help of G-d, and careful planning, you can leave your memory as a blessing.
