Ponderings from an Unknown Author

Ponderings From A Unknown Author
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I would never trade my amazing friends,

my wonderful life,

my loving family

for less gray hair or a flatter belly.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself,

and less critical of myself.

I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie,

or for not making my bed,

or for buying that silly cement gecko

that I didn't need,

but looks so avante garde on my patio.

I am entitled to a treat,

to be messy,

to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends

leave this world too soon;

before they understood

the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it

if I choose to read

or play on the computer until 4 AM

and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself

to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's,

and if I, at the same time,

wish to weep over a lost love ...

I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit

that is stretched over a bulging body,

and will dive into the waves

with abandon if I choose to,

despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.

But there again,

some of life is just as well forgotten.

And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years

my heart has been broken.

How can your heart not break

when you lose a loved one,

or when a child suffers,

or even when somebody's beloved pet

gets hit by a car?

But broken hearts

are what give us strength

and understanding and compassion.

A heart never broken is pristine and sterile

and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed

to have lived long enough

to have my hair turning gray,

and to have my youthful laughs

be forever etched

into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed,

and so many have died

before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older,

it is easier to be positive.

You care less about what other people think.

I don't question myself anymore.

I've even earned the right to be wrong.

I like being old.

It has set me free.

I like the person I have become.

I am not going to live forever,

but while I am still here,

I will not waste time lamenting

what could have been,

or worrying about what will be.

And I shall eat dessert

every single day(if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP

NEVER COME APART

ESPECIALLY

WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE

A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE

AND IN YOUR HEART

FOREVER AND EVER!

FRIENDS FOREVER!

Author Unknown