Day 1143

When did I go from sizing up a tree for its “climbability” to appreciating the shade it offers on a hot, July day? When our “Christian Hill Neighborhood Gang” was in its prime, climbing trees was part of everyday life! Now, I would have trouble with that activity, but the memories are vivid and wonderful! Old Oak was a favorite and still stands to remind me of my more flexible days!

Aging is truly mind over matter, but the realization that l am physically limited in some endeavors is challenging at best. I WANT to rollerblade! I WANT to run down that hill at full speed! I WANT to hike to see polar bears in Alaska! I WANT to climb that tree! My reality and “knees” argue with those desires.

Lilly and Ranger can relate, but still try to live the life they did as puppies. Ranger runs with his younger brothers, but gives up after a few minutes…looking at his Mama as if to say, “What was I thinking?”

The bright side of becoming more “mature” is that you get more time to really stop and smell the flowers. Taking a breath before jumping into the fray and processing outcomes might just save an accident AND allow better enjoyment of the moment at hand.

I do enjoy being part of the crowd instead of being a player on the field. However, I still want to climb that tree in my heart of hearts!