Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
A quote from poet Mary Oliver, closed a Christmas letter from a friend.
"Tell me, what is it you plan do
With your one wild and precious life?"
Reading that, my mind shot immediately to Rollie Martinson's new book, Elder's Rising: The Promise and Peril of Aging, Roland D. Martinson, 2018, Fortress Press. Rollie interviewed 53, people between the ages of 62, and 97, and incorporates much research on ageing, in this very readable book. Mark Hanson is quoted on the cover "What a helpful book! Whether you or or someone you love is navigating the transitions, losses, sorrows of aging, these stories of fifty-three elders will encourage you to connect with others, claim your gifts and power, live your faith, grieve your losses, and mobilize your congregation."
Those of us who are fortunate to be blessed with longevity might ask with Mary Oliver, "Tell...what is it I plan to do With the rest of my one wild and precious life?" Martinson includes many inspirational stories of the creative uses some elders find for their later years.
There are many gifts of elder-hood, perspective, wisdom, and, for some, leisure time. Many are not so fortunate and old age is defined primarily by loss. Yet, the question remains; as we are able, ..."What is it we plan to do with our one wild and precious life?"...limited as it may by circumstances and time?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Blessings,
Al
"Tell me, what is it you plan do
With your one wild and precious life?"
Reading that, my mind shot immediately to Rollie Martinson's new book, Elder's Rising: The Promise and Peril of Aging, Roland D. Martinson, 2018, Fortress Press. Rollie interviewed 53, people between the ages of 62, and 97, and incorporates much research on ageing, in this very readable book. Mark Hanson is quoted on the cover "What a helpful book! Whether you or or someone you love is navigating the transitions, losses, sorrows of aging, these stories of fifty-three elders will encourage you to connect with others, claim your gifts and power, live your faith, grieve your losses, and mobilize your congregation."
Those of us who are fortunate to be blessed with longevity might ask with Mary Oliver, "Tell...what is it I plan to do With the rest of my one wild and precious life?" Martinson includes many inspirational stories of the creative uses some elders find for their later years.
There are many gifts of elder-hood, perspective, wisdom, and, for some, leisure time. Many are not so fortunate and old age is defined primarily by loss. Yet, the question remains; as we are able, ..."What is it we plan to do with our one wild and precious life?"...limited as it may by circumstances and time?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Blessings,
Al
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