"Old age should never be disguised or seen as a source of embarrassment. It is not an illness, but a timeless ascent into the light of eternal wisdom. With advancing years come the strength of the person and their skills for survival, revealing their grace in unfettered form. Old age shows that there is no longer a need for the protective coat that mankind wears to warm their ego and shield their image. Neither is the ageing person confined to the rocking chair of resignation and a 'take-it-easy' lifestyle where future stillness is the norm. Old age is a productive stage, perhaps even the busiest phase in one's life where there are things to do and much to be done in the time remaining. It is a time to put all our learning into practice so that when we finally rest our body, it will be the soundest of perfect sleep.
Old age encourages and enables one to get rid of all superficial trappings of earthly significance. It is a period of shedding shells: the shell of ambition, the shell of false modesty, the shell of material accumulation and possession, and the shell of ego. It represents a time in one's life when impressing another doesn't matter and when the only type of communication to be used is to simply 'say it as it is!' So be careful the next time you converse with an older person and dare to ask them a highly personal question. Prepare to accept their truthful answer, for that is the one reply you will most likely receive!
To help emotionally settle the loved ones we leave behind as we depart the station for the last time, let us make our future presence in the lives of significant others much more than a distant memory. We do this by making the last thing they see in us, a forgiving smile and a wave of gratitude for the immense pleasure and sense of purpose sharing our lives has brought. This is surely the best celebration of a life once lived to the full; for your loved ones to know that you enter the next life with more love in your heart than when you were born into this one." William Forde: November 1st, 2017.