I stumbled upon this labyrinth last week and decided to walk it. Oh, what temptation there was to head straight to the center! But as I took the circuitous route, passing places I’d been but now from a different perspective, I realized how well it parallels life: There is only one way in and one way out. What matters is what you make of it along the way. Lucky me, I’m still making it.
In Australia, where I was born, I turn 70 today. Having spent years putting down roots, I now want to shake them loose. I don’t want things to dust, just people I can trust; the freedom to change my mind on a dime; to travel so lightly that you can blow on me and I’m gone. My body has begun its slow descent. What doesn’t ache (and what doesn’t ache?) accepts its’ stiffness as if it were always this way. I think of myself as much younger for surely this face can’t be mine? It’s not the one I remember.
What I remember, of course, makes stories to tell and I’ve yet to tire telling them. (Just ask my friends). I no longer tolerate idiots but have developed a soft spot for fools. No one can guilt or goad me into doing anything. Obligation, familial or otherwise, has long gone to the dogs. Yet, I’ll do most anything for a friend. Love itself means nothing that it did before. It is high on laughter and low on anything less–for anything less is nothing at all. Connection is everything. Eye to eye, face to face, hand to hand, heart to heart. Everything.
I’ve grown less confident in the future—not because of the environment, politics or the economy but because I have so much less left of it. Today, when I got my pneumonia shot, the pharmacist said, “The best part of this shot is that you won’t have to get another one for 10 more years.” ‘Yikes,’ I thought, ‘By then I’ll be 80!’
There are many things I still want to do. I used to have 70 years ahead of me to do them. Not anymore. Fortunately, my many failures and disappointments have made me tough enough to carry on. And my tears, which happen often (and even writing this), remind me I’m not dead yet! So, picture me going round and round life’s circle with a big smile on my wrinkly face.
AGEFULLY AGING 
How wonderful! Thanks Helen. xx, Peter
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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELEN!! May every moment be meaningful and precious! I wish you many blessings in this year 2023. Love, Linda J
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Well said and walked Helen! Rock On!
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Helen – I LOVE this writing. Gives me goose bumps and brings a bittersweet tear to my eye. Miss seeing your lovely face with its beautiful, and mischievous smile. Guess I’ll have to make my way down to Udall to see you unless you make it up Oro Valley way some day. Take care and, as us oldsters used to say … keep on truckin’
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Lovely, simply lovely! What a great gift you gaVe us all on your birthday! Thank you f or being born!
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What beautiful thoughts Helen! I am now 71 just ahead of you in years and I now know that true maturity is to always keep an eternal perspective. Time doesn’t matter. Eternity does!!! My Love to you and yours, Doug Kroger
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How nice of you to be older!
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And last but not least-a belated VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY greeting from me! Doug K.
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Thank you:)
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I love your writing. Happy Birthday. I was not looking forward to this number… but, .welcome to the club. Celebrate your life’s accomplishments and be kind to yourself. You are amazing ! !
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as are you beautiful girl.
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Lovely writing, too. From my perspective at 87, you have LOTS more to do and live through. Enjoy! Tasha
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Onward!
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This was wonderful – thank you for expressing what so many of us are experiencing so eloquently.
I shared with my 106yr old aunt and she said, based on her experience, there can still be much fun and adventure ahead. Look forward to it – it’s yours to create!
I’m very behind in my emails so wishing you a belated Happy Birthday. Enjoy!
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Aleta! How nice to hear from you. 🙂
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