My heart is heavy as I wait to hear news about my
dear friend who is fighting for her life. She is younger than I am and seemed
to be in good health until a few months ago.
We never know how quickly our lives can take a bad turn.
When we feel we are at the top of our game, we can receive a negative diagnosis
from a doctor. Many of my friends are in their seventies and older. We work
hard at taking good care of our bodies. We work hard at taking care of our
minds. But no matter what we do, those of us in our “third act” as Jane Fonda refers to those in later
life, know that time is limited for us on this earth.
I like the term Third Act, because so many good things happen
in third acts. Someone has recently written a book with interviews from women
who are in their eighties. The reviews say the wisdom and interesting stories
in this book make this a good read. I will read it when the price comes down a
bit.
It is hard not to just say, well, there is nothing I can do
at my age, about the way the world is going. I sometimes think I could spend my
last days sleeping late, watching streaming movies, having lunch with friends,
and reading the stack of books that are on my TBR list. But I know I would grow
weary of that schedule, bored with life itself.
Since my husband died, I have become even more determined to
make my life matter. While he was with me I gave much of my time to him. He
wanted my time and attention, and even needed it at times. I was always busy
with writing and my writing events, but I tried not to let them interfere with
us. After all, he had been with me for forty years; through those years when I
was searching for my truth. I think I always wanted to make a difference in
this world. That was why I taught school.
Now in my third act, I am teaching adults and working with
my writing organization to help writers who live in the mountains where I live.
I can’t change the world, but I can help one person at the time to follow their dream.
At present I plan to meet with writers in Swain county this month to help them organize there.
I will visit Transylvania county where we have a new representative for NCWN West, and recently, the editor of the Graham Star and I exchanged emails about meeting with writers in Graham county.
I can give opportunities to writers and poets who want to
teach and share what they have learned with those who are beginning to write
and need leadership. This year we will have three guest instructors at WritersCircle. Karen Holmes in July, Tara Lynne Groth in August, and RichardKrawiec in September.
I am sure my friend who is suffering tonight in a hospital
has many plans for the future. I hope she has the chance to follow through on
them. But if she doesn’t, she has made a difference in the lives of so many
people, including me. She is loved and respected. Her legacy will be lasting
and noteworthy.
In your Third Age you are providing a spark for others. Which is a lovely thing to do, and an aspiration for us all.
ReplyDeleteI echo EC's sentiments. You are making a difference, there's no doubt. One of the Buddhist exhortations is to always remember that everything leaves us, except our actions. Our actions are the ground on which we walk. Yours will last for a long time. Blessings to your friend who is suffering.
ReplyDeleteGlenda, I'm like you. I plan to make my life matter for as long as I can. I hope your friend can follow through on her plans. You're both in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAbbie, you certainly use your time and talents to help others and make a difference in this world. Keep on doing what you do.
ReplyDeleteDJan, thank you for good wishes for my friend. She means so much to many.
ReplyDeleteEC, I hope my health will hold up to give of my time and support to writers in our area. Today I began a program of water exercises that I think will help me tremendously.
Thank you both for your comments.
I know you both have health issues and you keep on going. You are inspirations to me.