Bob Thomas Writes

“Happy New Year” – a greeting I’ve heard 69 times in my life.

You know, time has a way of moving too quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems only yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.  I know that I lived them all and I have glimpses of all my hopes and dreams and how things were back then. But, here it is … the winter of my life and it has caught me by surprise!

How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my baby boy go? And where did my youth go?

I remember well, seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that my winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is … I’m near retirement now and have long ago started getting gray … I move slower and I see in myself those older folks I used to see that I never thought I’d be. I’m not in such bad shape considering my years … but, I see the great changes and my winter is upon me.

Each day now, I find that just getting showered, dressed and out the door is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore.  Some days it’s mandatory because if I don’t nap on my own free will I might just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do all the things I love.

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last, this much I know – when it’s over, it’s over. Yes I, like you and everyone else, have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done and plenty of things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime of living and loving.

So, if you’re not in your winter yet or if you’re already there,  let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you ever thought possible So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly!
Life goes by swiftly so, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! 

We have no promise that we will see all the seasons of our life.  So, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember. Most of us spend our lives trying to build a legacy for our loved ones – well surprise! –  The life we live is our legacy. 

“Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.”

Live it well my friend!