Postponing the Inevitable - Getting Older

When the kids were young (younger) Easter Egg hunts were a highlight comparable to Christmas. As they got older they still liked the opportunity for sugar and the competition of finding the biggest and mostest. Even when they were in high school.

Since two of three are now out of the house (and the third only here because I keep hanging on) it seems a bit of a stretch to say I still have children. Now I have 3 adults.

Except on Easter. Because Angela is still here this week I imagined (at least in my mind) she would enjoy an Easter Egg hunt. So got the whole 9 yards. Picture proves it. When I'm farther removed from this nostalgia, I'll apologize to Angela for making her do this. Then broadcasting it. But for a few hours, I'll savor.

What Next, Partner?

As I write these words my wife Lois is beginning a climb up the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia. Really. How did that happen?

Let's see. She's been to Australia 3 times now (son and family are there, you know.) She has been to Uluru and snorkeled Great Barrier Reef. She has swam with dolphins and sting rays. She has ziplined, had her tires slashed and purse stolen while by herself in Costa Rica. She has cruised the Caribbean. Twice, east and west. She has been to Brazil. Hawaii three times, Florida many times for snorkeling and even parasailing. With our youngest moving to Peru, I'm sure she will have that on her passport within 6 months.

All that and she still enjoys playing on the floor with her kids and grandkids. And digging in the flowers. And finding the bargain no one else could believe.

Now the Bridge. Why? Because it is there. She is a dreamer, then a doer. She is as at home rock hopping in the river or harvesting blackberries in the wild patch as she is lounging on the couch doing her Sudoku. But if she thinks of a new "project," you can count on her working toward it.

The best part is, as we approach 35 years since either of us were unmarried, I know she will be back. I sure enjoy watching you in action.

Happy Anniversary, Angel. What a life you've given me!

Remembering a Special Classmate

Today I read with sadness and shock of the passing of a special high school classmate. Violet Sagon Jones Medusky lost her battle with ALS. I'm surprised because I thought if there was ever anyone who would be the first to whip the enemy, PeeWee would be that one.

I was only around Violet for my high school and a couple of college years. She was older than me. By one day. I didn't let her forget it. She had the kind of personality I felt I already knew when I first met her. And now after not being around for 40 years I think I still know her. What a beautiful person, inside and out. A heart of gold. Thoughtful of others, kind, a real spark - I can't think of any way a person could be around her and not feel better just because of it.

Violet was always such an active person. In high school we had track meets on school picnic days. I remember the first time she entered races. Cute,I thought, but I hoped she wouldn't be embarrassed. She was so small and spindly. Wow! Could she move!

It took this horrid disease to slow her down. Besides the physical drain, I have to think the emotional drain of knowing she was so dependent on others do do everything for her must have been at lease equal in agony.

Seeing her pictures and posts, I like to think even if she lost this battle, she won the war. She fought with all the strength she had. I don't see someone who let the disease take away the parts of her that were the most endearing to all who knew her - her optimism, strength of character, caring for others.

Now comes the rest she couldn't have for the last few years. And sadness, not for her. She knows nothing. But sadness for those whose lives lost something Tuesday. Jan, kids, friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Somehow the world seems to have a little less energy.