And then it is winter
From a CNO reader 

This is for my golden age friends (or a CNO reader noted not long ago… us wrinkled ones). It might also be noted by those who see us without managing to understand that they, too, will be there some day. The phrase “things I wish I had done but never did” strikes a special note as I watch the travesties occurring in our nation today. The problem? Not sure how I could have changed anything… but I should have tried harder. I pray today’s generation – and those of the future – will find that magic key. The ideals our nation was founded on must endure… for my children’s sake. For my grandchildren’s sake. BR 

AND THEN IT IS WINTER 

You know .... time has a  way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing  years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and  embarking on my new life with my mate.. Yet in a way, it seems like eons  ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them  all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and  dreams. 

But, here it is... the  “back nine” of my life and it catches me by surprise...How did I get  here so fast? Where did the years 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 “I was only on the first hole” and the “back  nine” was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it  would be like. 

But, here it is...my  friends are retired and getting gray...they move slower and I see an  older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me...but,  I see the great change...Not like the ones that I remember who were  young and vibrant....but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we  are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd  become. 

Each day now, I find that  just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is  not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free  will... I 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 things that I wish I had  done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though I’m on the “back  nine”, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when  it's over on this earth...it's over. A new adventure will begin! Yes, I  have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I should  have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done.  It's all in a lifetime. 

So, if you're not on the  “back nine” yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than  you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please  do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!! Life goes by quickly. So,  do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether you’re on the  “back nine” or not! 

You have no promise that  you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for today and say  all the things that you want your loved ones to remember....and hope that  they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for  them in all the years past!! 

"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! ENJOY TODAY! DO  SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY ! HAVE A GREAT DAY   Remember "It is  health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and  silver.   LIVE HAPPY IN 2013! 

LASTLY, CONSIDER  THIS:   ~Your kids are becoming you......but your  grandchildren are perfect! ~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!  ~You forget names.... But it's OK because other people forgot they even  knew you!!! ~You realize you're never going to be really good at  anything.... especially golf. ~The things you used to care to do, you no  longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them  anymore. ~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in  bed. It's called "pre-sleep". ~You miss the days when everything worked  with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.. ~You tend to use more 4 letter  words .... "what?"..."when?"...” ??? ~Now that you can afford expensive  jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere. ~You notice everything they  sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!! ~What used to be freckles are now  liver spots. ~Everybody whispers. ~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your  closet.... 2 of which you will never wear. ~~~But Old is good in some  things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD  FRIENDS!! 

Stay well, "OLD FRIEND!"  Send this on to other "Old Friends!" and let them laugh in AGREEMENT!!!  It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of  Life You Have Lived. 

TODAY IS THE OLDEST  YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THIS DAY  WHILE IT LASTS.