REFLECTIONS

     You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of
the passing years.

     It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking
on my new life with my mate.  And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and
I wonder where all the years went.  I know that I lived them all...

     And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and
dreams.  But, here it is...the winter of my life and it catches me by
surprise...

     How did I get here so fast?  Where did the years go and where did my
babies go?  And where did my youth go?

     I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking
that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far
off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like...

     But, here it is...the husband is now retired and he's really getting
gray...he moves slower and I see an older man now.  He's in better shape
than me... but, I see the great change...  Not the one I married who was
young and vibrant... but, like me, his age is beginning to show and we are
now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

     Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for
the day!  And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory!  Cause
if I don't on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit!

     And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all
the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do
things.

     But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not
sure how long it will last...This I know, that when it's over...its
over....Yes , I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done
,,,,,things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy
to have done.  Its all in a lifetime..

     So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will
be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in
your life please do it quickly!

     Life goes by quickly.  So, do what you can today, because you can
never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

     You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your
life...so, live for today, do good in everyway and say all the things that
you want your loved ones to remember...

     "Life is a gift to you.  The way you live your life is your gift to
those who come after you.  Make your gift a fantastic one!"

     LIVE IT WELL!!

     ~author unknown~