I’ve learned to appreciate my aging. As I currently look at my wrinkled hands after a long day of work.

Gritty lines on my palms forged over time from toiling, grasping objects I’ve held over the years, some long forgotten

Often times I’ll scroll through my old photos and watch the slow motion of time and life change my appearance from a young man who thought he could balance the entire world on his shoulders.

My gate has changed a bit. Sometimes I’ve found myself walking with a slight limp from joint pain or slumped over just a bit from walking too fast ever since the day I learned how to walk. Always with a place I must go. Now I prefer sitting in stillness

I’m no longer a boy, a strapping young man or a mid-life crisis trying to find the a way to be young again.

I’m me. I’ve always been me but I didn’t know who me was until recently. I’ve grown to like this guy

Most of my hair is long gone now. Why do I need hair anyway? I like my bald head more than I’ve ever liked my crazy cowlick’d mane.

My beard is filled with silver reminders that spring is a distant memory

Every year technology takes another step towards irrelevance for someone my age

I do not care

Love has taken over my heart. Gone are the days of constant bitterness and rivalry.

I smile more because I understand more and have experienced love beyond my comprehension

I measure my worth by the two things I kiss goodnight every evening

Rich beyond my means

I’ve grown to love a good deep conversation with an old friend

Coffee, smiles shared on a sidewalk

Feet that have walked thousands of miles perched by a fire

Long walks in complete silence

Crows’ feet are my badge of honor. How many people never made it this far? I’m honored

My struggles defined me over time. It’s given me the appreciation of gratitude

My lead foot seems to have left me. Or maybe I don’t have anywhere to be in such a hurry anymore

Did I mention I smile more?

Glasses are more comfortable than contacts now. Years of wearing and abusing contacts have permanently damaged my eyes

Eyes? I bump into things without my glasses.

Strength? The only thing the old guy and I will wrestle with over time. It stays until I decide to go

My grip will always be firm, my legs will always carry me.

55 years. Not one broken bone.

A thousand broken hearts define my life. It’s made me love more. I never gave up

Hustle sits in my rearview mirror. Let’s be honest, we were never really friends in the first place.

*waves goodbye

Music resonates differently. Old lyrics become new ones as your translations transition and transform.

Bird songs become more beautiful

Crickets soothe

The air above the trees sing when the wind blows through

I hug and touch every tree I can when I camp. They understand why

Your life lens changes

You stop asking questions and begin answering them

There are no secrets to life. There isn’t meant to be.

Just learn to love with all of your heart.

That’s no secret.

Forgive

Or you’ll never retain your full energy

People ask me “how long since your last vodka?” I tell them I don’t know I quit counting. It’s no longer relevant to add the days up anymore.

That guy is long gone.

Love killed him in a beautiful way.

*smiles

I’m done