Without missing a beat he comically sneered, “Almost over!” That is Laugh Out Loud stuff. So much so I couldn't get it out of my head for most of the morning. Life should not and does not need to be serious (most of the time). As the saying goes, if you can't laugh at yourself than nobody can. As for aging well I believe we all turn in to our parents whether we like it or not. I started to stop caring around the age of 30 and this year i'll be 60, so you can imagine how little I now care. It really is something to look forward to.
Thank you for moving me to tears and making me laugh at the same time. I wish you best of health, long life, and to be loved and appreciated by others, your family and/or your found family.
I agree with Susan about the archetypes. It’s so much easier to love someone else’s family, to enter the fold with no history, a tabula rasa. And yes, Andrew’s highlighted comment from your post captures the dynamic of most social gatherings where emotional intimacy has not been developed--that which we treasure in close friendships. These gatherings for holidays and milestone birthdays are superficial by nature, accepting the reality that deep discussion in any group of disparate participants is unlikely. For my two cents, that perspective is useful.
Love it. This reminded me of an early date I went on with an ex of mine. We were walking through town window-shopping when a nice little elderly woman sidled up next to us, ripped a huge fart, and then just walked away. For a second we looked at each other like: did that just happen? Then we died laughing. Getting older has some perks, and being comfortable with yourself is one of them.
Great post. Let out an audible laugh at this line:
"Everyone wants the clan to know how great their career is going, how much money they’re making, how fantastic their new school or house or partner is, etc. In other words: It’s fucking boring. And fake. Skin-deep."
What a great piece, and I was stunned to see how well your "second" family turned out. Somehow you pulled off a happy ending without being sentimental or sappy. That balance is not easy. I remember when I was nineteen and dating a wealthy young woman (I had put off going to Notre Dame to work in steel plants). One day, her father offered me four new tires for my Rambler American if I'd disappear. I decided to hang around, but, considering his daughter and I never married, I sure could have used those tires.
I just loved reading this. Times have changed and we grow. Our perspectives change, we understand more. We are all born with archetypes of the perfect family, friend, school, leaders, etc. It's our job in life to figure out what those things are in reality. I'm still at it at 75. Everybody dies it. It doesn't stop. It's what makes life interesting. It seems like you've managed pretty well.
It’s hard being the outsider. But it gives you the chance to see a lot others miss.
Age is a myth. You only have this moment, the past is gone and the future is not here. Whether you live till 40 or 140 - it's still that way.
But I'll remember that line for a long time - "Almost over." It always is.
I have a 96 year old neighbor that I help out, she is the same way.
Without missing a beat he comically sneered, “Almost over!” That is Laugh Out Loud stuff. So much so I couldn't get it out of my head for most of the morning. Life should not and does not need to be serious (most of the time). As the saying goes, if you can't laugh at yourself than nobody can. As for aging well I believe we all turn in to our parents whether we like it or not. I started to stop caring around the age of 30 and this year i'll be 60, so you can imagine how little I now care. It really is something to look forward to.
Thank you for moving me to tears and making me laugh at the same time. I wish you best of health, long life, and to be loved and appreciated by others, your family and/or your found family.
Love this ❤️
I agree with Susan about the archetypes. It’s so much easier to love someone else’s family, to enter the fold with no history, a tabula rasa. And yes, Andrew’s highlighted comment from your post captures the dynamic of most social gatherings where emotional intimacy has not been developed--that which we treasure in close friendships. These gatherings for holidays and milestone birthdays are superficial by nature, accepting the reality that deep discussion in any group of disparate participants is unlikely. For my two cents, that perspective is useful.
Love it. This reminded me of an early date I went on with an ex of mine. We were walking through town window-shopping when a nice little elderly woman sidled up next to us, ripped a huge fart, and then just walked away. For a second we looked at each other like: did that just happen? Then we died laughing. Getting older has some perks, and being comfortable with yourself is one of them.
Great post. Let out an audible laugh at this line:
"Everyone wants the clan to know how great their career is going, how much money they’re making, how fantastic their new school or house or partner is, etc. In other words: It’s fucking boring. And fake. Skin-deep."
What a great piece, and I was stunned to see how well your "second" family turned out. Somehow you pulled off a happy ending without being sentimental or sappy. That balance is not easy. I remember when I was nineteen and dating a wealthy young woman (I had put off going to Notre Dame to work in steel plants). One day, her father offered me four new tires for my Rambler American if I'd disappear. I decided to hang around, but, considering his daughter and I never married, I sure could have used those tires.
Thanks for writing and posting this powerful piece. I sincerely enjoyed it.
I just loved reading this. Times have changed and we grow. Our perspectives change, we understand more. We are all born with archetypes of the perfect family, friend, school, leaders, etc. It's our job in life to figure out what those things are in reality. I'm still at it at 75. Everybody dies it. It doesn't stop. It's what makes life interesting. It seems like you've managed pretty well.