[Jimturner]

After the recent loss of another family member, it became very apparent that I am now in the number three slot as the oldest remaining of my extended family. My first thought was holly shucks then I was hit with reality of the alternative and smiled. We are all fortunate for every day we had and still have. I have enjoyed the vast majority of my days so I will not allow myself to focus on how close I am to being next to go. The Villages has helped me enormously in that quest.

[rexxfan]

Well said. I've nothing to add to that (well, perhaps other than I'm Number Two in my family, so I suppose I'll have to try harder ;-)
--
bc

[redwitch]

I think my biggest shock was when I figured out I was older than my father could ever be. It did cause me to realize how precious life was and I don't think I've taken a day for granted since. No matter how bad I feel or how lousy my mood is, I try to find one thing to smile about and do one act of kindness daily. Those two things make even a really rotten day seem just a little better.

[Jima64]

Never thougt I could be 50 but here I am at 65 this month. I am officially the oldest in my family. Was quite an eye opener when I lost both parents very quickly and realized they were not there for wisdom and advice. You learn to appreciate all that your parents tried to teach you.

[FlamingoFlo]

Our lives are what we make them, young or old. Although I have had a few bumps in the road, I have had, and am still having a great life.

[dewilson58]

I want to go, when it is time to go...............God willing, I go when the quality of life is no longer. My great-grandmother lived to 109 and it was good to the end. My grandfather fell over dead in his garden at 68....good to the end. My grandmother spent 12 years in a nursing home, one good year, eleven not so good. My parents are in their mid-90's and they are active and amazing. I don't know if I'm number one on the list of who is next, or if I'm number seven. Just hope I'm gone before the quality evaporates.

[rubicon]

I had morning coffee with my Dad long ago at the local coffee shop. As we left on our way to the car my Dad pointed out to a guy and related this story.

It seemed the gent had a fear of dying in his bed so he would drive the streets of our home town till wee hours of the morning. Well you probably guessed it the guy died in his bed. what a nice way to go.

Death visits us all and I for one have reconciled with that fact. So like many others I appreciate and try and take full advantage of each day

[gap2415]

The thought came to me when one day I was reminiscing about old friends and then realized they would be over 100 and gone! So many I know are gone and the meaning of living a peaceful yet adventurous life becomes clear. Life is always now, this moment and I shouldn't look back or forward but live now.
As far as death is concerned, I remember John Wayne in a movie saying when he was dying, "It's just my turn." I somehow found that helpful.

[tomwed]

Getting Older Good/Bad
bad

[Ecuadog]

When I go, I want to go peacefully in my sleep, like my Grandmother did... not screaming and yelling like the passengers in her car.

[jblum315]

My husband was the middle one of three sons. He was the first to die. Then the youngest son. The eldest son is still going strong, God bless him.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

When I go, I want to go peacefully in my sleep, like my Grandmother did... not screaming and yelling like the passengers in her car.

that's great,,,,i didn't see it coming

[SALYBOW]

Getting Old Good or bad? I am not a fan.

[Golden Years]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

When I go, I want to go peacefully in my sleep, like my Grandmother did... not screaming and yelling like the passengers in her car.

That was great

[manaboutown]

Getting older sure beats the alternative!