Wasn't 1995 just yesterday?
No, dear heart, it was 31 years ago. Time has marched on without so much as a fare thee well.
Thirty-one years ago, Mrs. RWP (the lovely Ellie) and I had no grandchildren. Next month our oldest grandson will turn 30, we have six grandchildren in all, and we have three great-grandchildren.
Thirty-one years ago, I had never had a heart attack. Later this month I will be staring the thirtieth anniversary of my anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) in the face.
Thirty-one years ago, I thought my retirement from the corporate world was at least ten years away. However, due to unexpected spinoffs, outsourcings, and early retirement packages, I bid that world adieu at the age of 58. It doesn't seem possible, but I have been officially retired for more than a quarter of a century. More proof that I am, how you say, old.
I could go on and on, but I think I am depressing myself.
Here's hoping your 2026 is getting off to a good start. Already one of our longtime friends passed away at the age of 96 on New Year's Day. Nobody is guaranteed a single day more.
If you're alive and breathing and reading this post, have food on your table and a roof over your head, have shoes on your feet and a little money in the bank, count your blessings and quit your complaining. Instead, give thanks with a grateful heart.
The world is your oyster, at least for the moment.
Happy New Year, Robert and Ellie!
ReplyDeleteMy own first born is almost 31 and when I think that I will be be lucky if another 31 years are granted me, it's a bit sobering.
I am, indeed, giving thanks.
You remind me of my Dad who often quoted " What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?"
The older I get the more I remind people of their Dad. Thank you, kylie!
DeleteIf you're reminding people of good, wise, kind men you are doing well.
DeleteI'M ANOther fellow who finds time goes quickly. I retired at 57 and have been retired for 28 years. I thought I would never be 86 and still moving.
ReplyDeleteThere are probably more of us than you might think. I’ll be 85 in less than three months. We had some of your weather last week. I didn’t care for it. Thanks for commenting, Red.
DeleteI am so thankful to have reasonably good health for a person a bit limited because of a stroke. I have a small amount of money saved. I hate shoes so I wear them as little as possible. I retired at the age of 62 because the economy was causing so many to be laid off. Since I had been paying taxes since I was 11 (yes that is 51 years) Decided to retire and have loved not being at the mercy of a time clock. My children are basically healthy as are my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Unfortunately both my parents are gone. I have lost a niece, a nephew, a younger sister, and 2 younger brothers. I miss them all.
ReplyDeleteThen the world, as I said, is your oyster. Thank you, Emma.
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