Saturday, 19 May 2012

Three Score Years And Five.

When he was a little boy, about 6 or 7 years old, my extremely handsome son George, went through a phase. He became very concerned about the fact that one day I would die. I have no idea how the idea got into his little head. It was not a subject we had ever discussed as far as I can recall.

He told me that he was not going to let God take me to heaven. He was going to hold onto my hand really tight and not let go.

Eventually to calm him down I told him I was going to live until I reached 120 years old at least. This, I think gave him a bit of comfort. And me also if I'm truthful. I thought that the idea was not too far fetched. I think I began to believe it in some strange way.

I don't make promises to my extremely handsome son George unless I intend to keep them. Sadly however I am going to have to break this one.

Today I feel old. I am old. In a few months I shall be 65. Only five years short of the allotted three score years and ten. That is old. My aching body often reminds me of this.

120 years! What a fool I was to make that promise. But the intention was truly there.

Sorry about that son. I love you very much indeed.
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9 comments:

  1. Beatrice P. Boyd19 May 2012 at 03:52

    John, this post reminded me of a quote..."It's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" and am certain your son, George, would agree. Some days we all feel older than our years.

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  2. Jane and Chris19 May 2012 at 07:24

    My Dad promised to drive me to my 100th birthday party. He's not going to.
    Jane x

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  3. Emma Springfield19 May 2012 at 07:51

    I see you are having another bad day. Because you and I are the same age I understand how you feel. The good thing is that tomorrow you will feel less old and you will be ready for a new adventure. I think you should go to town and paint the flowers at the church. DO IT!

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  4. Valerie19 May 2012 at 09:06

    Now you've made ME feel old... and you're younger than me!

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  5. kden19 May 2012 at 13:43

    Ah, that's sweet. We often tell our children white lies to make them feel better. I'm sure he won't hold you to it, because he is a wise young man now and he will probably remember your white lie very fondly and do the same for his children.

    I understand how you feel. I WANT to do yardwork, plant vegis and flowers and have to do it all with one good arm, which feels very useless because arms were meant to work in tandem.

    Take some time out today; enjoy your critters, paint something beautiful and you'll be feeling your young self once again.

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  6. Ann19 May 2012 at 18:10

    There are some days that I wake up and I feel like I have aged 10 years over night. If only I were as young as my mind thinks I am

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  7. Anonymous19 May 2012 at 22:45

    Come now ....you're only half way there! I know the feeling, age seems to have crept up on me too. More days than not I feel it. You have my utmost sympathy, John. Take care. Sue

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  8. Birdman20 May 2012 at 06:21

    Well, you half way home. I say push on and see where it takes you.

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  9. Sharkbytes21 May 2012 at 18:09

    Hey, cut that out! We are the same age. If you get old you'll drag me along. Get out that guitar, or the paint box.

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