When I first started blogging, I started following a blog entitled As Time Goes By by Ronni Bennet. A former television producer who had been looking for a forum that was honest about what happens to the human body, how society acts and reacts to people as we age. She couldn't find a reliable and honest (non-commercial?) account of actual aging. I am speaking of her in the past tense because a few days ago, she left her body. I am glad that she is now at rest. She already had the peace. It is a comfort to know that she was not fearful when she crossed over. One of her final messages was: "When you get here, it is really nice. I am not afraid." Rest easy Ronni. You will be missed.
Everybody experiences aging. Leading a healthy life is merely slowing down the rate at which we age. It can sometimes prolong death. Don't kid yourself, a healthy life doesn't make you immortal but regular exercise IS important.
Ronni had a list of elderbloggers. I love that list of blogs. Colourful and fascinating people who are immensely valuable in a short-sighted world where youth and modernity are worshipped. As I was only in my 40s when I started my own blog, I was considered too young to be included in that list. When I turned 50 I requested inclusion to the list of elderbloggers. I was finally old enough to be included in the group. I was on the list for a short time. I was removed when my blog entries slowed and all but stopped.
A number of people who followed my blog back when I was more active have died over those years. Fascinating bloggers who had amazing lives. I miss their input and perspective on things. I am so glad they are not here to see what is happening in this terrible year but I sure could do with their opinion. The political world is chaos and it is not helped by a global pandemic. These two topics dominate the headlines.
I am now thinking back to all the friends I have made through this blog. As in life you make friends through connecting with people. Some bloggers became very good friends. I am also pondering the changes in my life, changes to my family and body that have occurred over the last 14 years. The blog has a delightful archive that can be revisited. It is a great big journal with pictures and comments. My theme is roughly and very loosely based on my garden but I write about a lot of topics.
This is a list of things that have happened and come to understand
- My father died
- My mother has dementia and in a care home
- I have fewer teeth
- My feet won't work well without constant support
- I discovered how vital it is to have integrity
- A number of friends have died
- Gray hair has showed up
- Your life can change in a moment
- I love my family
- I find joy in nature
