By VERNA BROCK
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some rain. I feel like singing the song “Promises, Promises” every time one of our weather forecasters predicts precipitation! We start out with prognostications of 40, 50 or 60% chances of rain…only to watch them dwindle to nothing.
This week brought us nighttime temperatures in the 40s again, which my roses love. I just have to remember to provide a drink now and then. Weird weather seems to be normal anymore.
Yet, some things seem to never change. Magnolias and jasmine bloom, wafting the most heavenly scents through the evening air. Birds and butterflies are flitting through my yard, building cocoons and nests, and singing fervently morning and night. I recently discovered a pale, pink-ish house gecko lurking on my side porch, a completely new experience for me. It has joined the ranks of the bright green anoles, blue-tailed skinks and pixelated gray “fence lizards” that already find it a cozy place to sun themselves.
Lately, I’ve been pondering the mixed blessing of living well into my 90s. Members of my extended family, on both sides, have exceeded that and a few lived to see 100. At some point, infirmities begin to creep up on us. Fortunately, this process advances slowly, allowing us to stay blissfully in denial for most of our lives. But I’m not completely convinced denial is my friend. Semper Paratus (Always Prepared), the Coast Guard motto, seems like an excellent policy as I age.
No one can deny that time is fleeting; wrinkles and gray hairs belie the self-deception of never growing older. Even if I could ignore those hints, my aching bones and tendency towards quick exhaustion won’t allow it.
Recently, there has been a movement, especially among our richest fellow citizens, to live forever. Entire libraries have been published on the subject. Vast sums are spent every year on exotic treatments vowing to improve longevity and quality of life.
“Wellness” continues to be a money-maker for schemers and con men, following the proud tradition of old-time snake oil salesmen. The quest for immortality is as old as the pyramids. Eternal youth and beauty always seem almost within reach, just beyond our straining fingertips. There are more treatments, cures, and concoctions than you can shake a stick at! All for the right price, of course. Yet no panacea has appeared on the horizon. No one is living to 150, let alone forever. Consensus suggests we may add a year or two to life expectancy, if we maintain relatively healthy lifestyles and avoid accidents. But still, there’s no guarantee we can count upon to spare us the Grim Reaper’s harvest.
So, where does the answer lie? I believe our best chance at living well requires rewriting its definition. Wellness may rely on how we treat others. Proffer respect and kindness to our neighbors, love and support our kinfolk, be responsible citizens and help one another weather hard times along with the good.
Generosity of spirit far outweighs the value of fair face. Scripture says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”
Science confirms that laughter has healing properties. So go have fun with the people you love, and live the life you actually have to its fullest.
This moment is all we’re given, so make the most of it!