Letter to the Editor: Planning for the future
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When we are young we live each day with plans for the future. We may plan what career we want to work at. Maybe we hope to fall in love for a lifetime and raise a family. For some plans may be more short-term only concerned with the next month or year. There is nothing wrong with any of those plans but for some of us who are getting up in years our plans change dramatically.
As each of us get older we can look at life in as many different ways as our lives were different. Some of us have lived a rough life with one trouble after another. Others have been lucky or blessed by living with only small trials. Wherever you land in between those extremes molds you into the person you become when you get "old." That's where I am now. Sure there is a slim chance I could be around for another 20 years. Yet, just 3 months ago I was sure it was my last day and I needed to say goodbye. I was saved to write to you today but that's another story.
When I felt myself getting weaker and weaker I decided I wanted something down in writing from some of my friends. I asked them to tell me what they thought of me, what did they think was my purpose in life, or how would they describe me (not meaning short with grey hair). Not only did I want to know what they had to say but secretly I thought their lists or letters could be read at my funeral. So far I've received 5. They were all very complimentary, even one which used the phrase, "sometimes a little pushy or persuasive" when it came to talking her into things that she ended up glad she did anyway.
You might think it's a bit morbid planning for your own death or funeral. Not really. Being OCD and always wanting things planned and in order it came naturally to me to plan for the end also. Yes, my husband and I have our final wishes already paid for so our children won't have to worry with that. (They will have enough to do with all our collections and hobby stuff.) That frees us up to live however we choose for as long as we are able. The older we get the more family and friends pass before us. Each funeral visit is difficult. Then after I silently think, "Saying goodbye to her or him was hard but I'm glad it wasn't me."
While planning for tomorrow we should live for today and enjoy every moment we can. It could become a cherished memory or it could be the last thing we do. I'm doing my best not to worry when my last day here will be while keeping in mind we are not promised tomorrow. So as I've always been most comfortable doing, I have plans on my calendar for the future. I plan to write to you again. Until then enjoy your life and enjoy the people around you. They will miss you when you're gone but the sweet memories you create will live on.
Bonnie Eaton
Vienna