Back in 1970 when I was only 14 years old, I never gave much thought to when, or if, I’d ever be 70. The 70’s were exciting times for me. I learned to drive; I graduated high school and got a job. I became old enough to vote and then, old enough to drink. I also lost my father, had bones broken, lost the tip of one of my fingers and found out I was a diabetic. It was a learning experience. I discovered it could sometimes be tough, but for the most part life was good and rewarding!
During this decade I started exploring the world around me. I saw the beauty hidden in the mountains; I found the serenity of the deep woods. I discovered the peace obtainable while sitting beside a small stream. I found out how relaxing it can be to watch the moon or sun rise over a field or a hillside.
Of course, it was more than just these things. Being on my own more, without the childhood parental constraints, I learned the importance of work, time and trust. Some experimenting with alcohol and various substances "may have" occurred. It was a decade of motorcycles, cave and cliff exploring, and camping. I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about the future.
As the years piled on and the 70’s passed, I experienced the joys and the losses that we all do. My life calmed down some and there were the joys of raising a family and learning to be a dad. (Can that even be taught?) Family members got married and the family numbers increased, but sadly, at the same time, decreased. Death is just another part of our lives. That is another thing we learn about in life, how quick it can end.
Lord knows I’ve made more than my share of bad decisions and mistakes and God willing, I’ve learnt from them. I’ve been offered so many chances to learn, I’m afraid to think how many I’ve let pass by. It seems as if life is one long continuous learning process.
The 1970’s are long gone but here, I find that I’m starting them over again. Moving into my own 70’s, I can’t help but realize things have changed; I seem to be experiencing a bit more pain than I did in the first set. I’m not quite as fast or strong as I was, perhaps that is because of the extra pounds hung on my frame. There is also a lot less hair on my head! Re-starting my second set of 70’s, I can only hope they will be as much fun as the first set was. I seriously doubt if they’ll be quite as wild but I’m still looking forward to them!
To bring back a bit of the slang of the 70’s, I’m looking forward to a “groovy”, “far out” decade. “Look out baby, here I come”!
2 comments:
Been there. Done that. Being a little older the only thing I can say is life can still be fun
Isn't it sad that know edge, experience, wisdom, etc. dies with each person and has to be learned all over by the next person coming along?
And isn't sad that when you do share some wisdom and experience to improve the lives of those who follow, they rarely listen?
Finally, have you noticed that around 65 or 70 people no longer 'ask you' anything, to do anything, to participate in anything meaningful; they start telling you what to do, where to be, where to go, where to sit, what to say....I call it moving from the age of being 'asked', to the age of being 'told'...it is sad how we waste the wisdom, talents, and education of the 70+
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