Life is a series of cycles.
As a toddler, life seems to move so quickly.
There is so much to learn and experience, everything is new and fresh.
As a child, life seems to move so slowly.
I can't wait to grow older, to do more, to have more freedoms.
When I grow up, I want to be...
As a teenager, I can't wait to be out on my own, to make my own decisions.
Although I don't always know who I am, I want to be heard and valued.
People sometimes look down on me because of my youth but I have a lot of fresh ideas.
As a young adult, I can change the world.
I have goals and aspirations and can make the world a better place.
Don't tell me what to do or how to do it, I have all the answers, I've been there and done it.
Now I have been in my career for some time and am starting a family.
I know where I am going and am responsible for shaping the lives of others.
I look back and can see all the mistakes of my parents.
They are responsible for the good and the bad parts of me.
Now my life is almost half over. There is so much in life I don't know.
I wish I had all of the answers, but truly I don't.
I thought I could change the world, but in reality, I can easily be replaced.
What is truly important anyhow? Work, things, family?
What is the purpose in life?
My kids are grown and gone. Now what?
I worked my entire life for them and what is left?
My mind still believes I can do all things, physically, life is changing.
I have some years left to make a difference. How should I spend my resources?
I'm watching the next generation. It gives me great joy! Our kids are asking us for a little more advice.
They are realizing that they could use some of our answers and experiences.
I have life experience now, living a quiet existence. My busy days are behind me.
The visits are less frequent, the appointments are less, the phone doesn't ring as often.
I sit in my chair waiting for another human smile, hug, visit.
I lived my entire existence for others, working, sacrificing, praying.
My days are filled with memories of what once was;
family vacations and holiday traditions, band concerts and ball games.
I poured my heart and soul and every dime I had to give you the perfect gift, braces,
an education and now you've moved on, you have a life of your own.
You talk to me as if I can't hear you or think for myself. You place yourself in control of
my medical attention, my finances, the money I spent my entire life working for and saving,
forgetting that I still have my mind in tact even though my body no longer works as well as
it once did.
Just remember, that one day you will walk in my shoes. You will go through these life cycles. You will
live my quiet existence and you will wish that you could go back in time when you were once busy,
your days were full and you felt you had purpose. The white hairs on my head are from the days I worried about you and prayed for you and nights spent pacing thinking about how you would pass the course, choose the right spouse or come home safe at night.
Love your neighbor as yourself, treat the elderly with dignity and respect. Have kindness and compassion for those who are not as well off as you. You reap what you sow. If you treat the elderly with dignity, you will receive what you give. If you offer a lack of compassion and mercy, you will receive the same in return. Visit someone who has no family near, take them treats or visit with your children. Life is short, we will all some day be there, It's not a matter of if, it is when!
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