Bret, you are the finest writer I know; that is, besides myself. My life totally sucked until I hit 65 and then things began to fall into place. I was endowed with a durable body. At 77 I'm having great joy in my life learning piano. I'm a better version of that person I was at 30, 40, etc. I lost my brother in 1995 so there's an opening for...uh...soul brother.
I agree with “beautifully said” and well felt, by both of us, we’re only a few years apart. I substitute teach middle and high school and on occasion I get an “old man” comment. I respond by taking a slow look at them and saying, “yes and if you’re lucky, one day, you will be too”.
“Older people wearing expensive masks “. Describes face lifts perfectly. My mom had work done and was harder to recognize… kinda spooky. Life is challenging enough already, isn’t it? Great post Bret! 👍🏻
How timely this writing is. Yesterday was my birthday, well, both mine and my sister Barbara, we are identical twins. She and I got doll-ed up, and went out and shared a marvelous meal at a nice restaurant. We spoke of our lives realizing we are at the last part of it. Wondering what’s to be. Your post speaks to me, like many of your other writings. Being in the music business as an artist, performer and female, aging is not regarded as a good thing. I am now referred to as “veteran” despite my singing, playing and writing/arranging are still viable, dare I say better than much I hear out there. I have learned the things of business are not necessarily the things of life. Barbara, also a musician, with “0” interest in business dealings in music is truly a creative. She does it for herself. She shares it and if something comes of it (someone wants to use her music, in a film etc.) then great. I have learned so much from her. We spoke of dying last night. Our background is spiritual with footholds in the African Diaspora, from our Mom’s side. Belief in nature and the elements, and life being guided by it (I skim the surface here.) We both agree in this part of our lives to do what we want, when we want, enjoy, share and completely let go of what doesn’t serve our well-being. Death is a beginning. And one thing for certain, I ain’t coming back. Thanks Bret.
Having just celebrated my birthday yesterday, this so resonates with me. I turned 68 on 6/8 - yes, a bit into numerology-I am so grateful to have reached this. I own my age. I am never shy about revealing it but more so, very proud. With every day that passes, I feel like I am successful at what matters most-peace, calm, stillness, creativity, love of self and others. I only wish I could go back in time so I could grow old living as I do now. Thank you.
That was incredibly brilliant Bret and I need to share it.. wow really got me thinking.. thank you
Bret, you are the finest writer I know; that is, besides myself. My life totally sucked until I hit 65 and then things began to fall into place. I was endowed with a durable body. At 77 I'm having great joy in my life learning piano. I'm a better version of that person I was at 30, 40, etc. I lost my brother in 1995 so there's an opening for...uh...soul brother.
Thanks for the kind words. It’s great, you’re learning the piano now.
I agree with “beautifully said” and well felt, by both of us, we’re only a few years apart. I substitute teach middle and high school and on occasion I get an “old man” comment. I respond by taking a slow look at them and saying, “yes and if you’re lucky, one day, you will be too”.
“Older people wearing expensive masks “. Describes face lifts perfectly. My mom had work done and was harder to recognize… kinda spooky. Life is challenging enough already, isn’t it? Great post Bret! 👍🏻
Beautifully said, Bret. At 61, I now see the truth in every word you say here. So sorry about the loss of your friend's sister and your SIL.
Sorry for your losses.
Thank you for the positive perspective.
I’m right behind you and recalibrating too. ☮️
Death is God's act of highest compassion.
How timely this writing is. Yesterday was my birthday, well, both mine and my sister Barbara, we are identical twins. She and I got doll-ed up, and went out and shared a marvelous meal at a nice restaurant. We spoke of our lives realizing we are at the last part of it. Wondering what’s to be. Your post speaks to me, like many of your other writings. Being in the music business as an artist, performer and female, aging is not regarded as a good thing. I am now referred to as “veteran” despite my singing, playing and writing/arranging are still viable, dare I say better than much I hear out there. I have learned the things of business are not necessarily the things of life. Barbara, also a musician, with “0” interest in business dealings in music is truly a creative. She does it for herself. She shares it and if something comes of it (someone wants to use her music, in a film etc.) then great. I have learned so much from her. We spoke of dying last night. Our background is spiritual with footholds in the African Diaspora, from our Mom’s side. Belief in nature and the elements, and life being guided by it (I skim the surface here.) We both agree in this part of our lives to do what we want, when we want, enjoy, share and completely let go of what doesn’t serve our well-being. Death is a beginning. And one thing for certain, I ain’t coming back. Thanks Bret.
You may come back in a way you can't imagine.
I don’t know, Bret. Something inside me says I’m finished here. Time to move to the next level, realm, energy, whatever it may be. But “earth”? No.
That’s what I meant. Our time on earth here is limited, but I still believe this life is just part of larger picture.
Yes, the wisdom of the ages, que no? Be not afraid of death as much as a life unlived.
A good reminder!
Having just celebrated my birthday yesterday, this so resonates with me. I turned 68 on 6/8 - yes, a bit into numerology-I am so grateful to have reached this. I own my age. I am never shy about revealing it but more so, very proud. With every day that passes, I feel like I am successful at what matters most-peace, calm, stillness, creativity, love of self and others. I only wish I could go back in time so I could grow old living as I do now. Thank you.
We can't go back but we can learn and be better, with every passing day.
So perfect! I was going to write today to ask if you could do more death reflections, this hit the spot.