Yesterday, some elderly friends of mine returned to Maryland after spending the winter in Florida. This year, it was cold down there for much of the time, and they were excited to come north.
I’ve known this couple for nearly twenty years, and they are faithful friends. I have watched them grow old, and now they are beginning to struggle with their health. Their friends are dying off, several this winter while they were away. They didn’t have the chance to say goodbye.
I know from them and other people I’m close to, its hard to get old, to not be able to do what you want to do, when you want to do it, to slowly lose control. As I was driving home, I was thinking about the passage from John’s gospel, where Jesus says to Peter, “when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you are old, someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). I guess Jesus wasn’t just talking to Peter, but to all of us. It will happen. The important thing, I think, is what we do with it.
My friends continue to be as active as they can, take care of their sickly neighbors, and keep a positive attitude. When I told them I was bringing over Lentil soup, they were genuinely excited to try it. They know I’m trying to eat healthier, and they are too. They loved the soup, especially on a cold rainy day like it was here in Maryland.
Just about everyone I know is trying to get healthier, especially focusing on what they eat. I’m finding it so much more fun to do it with the people I care about most, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or through this blog.
