Monday, February 24, 2020

Memory Lane

Senior trailblazers, March 2013
Not knowing what to write about on this rather lovely Monday, I went on a trip down Memory Lane by visiting my more than 5,000 pictures stored on my laptop. I especially like this one, taken by Sue Dabney seven years ago now. I am actually in it, third from the left, but since we are all silhouettes, we could be any generic hikers. I happen to know, however, we are all on the elderly side. Probably the oldest person would be in his eighties, and the youngest over sixty. And since it was taken seven years ago, we are all getting older, but most of us are still hiking.

What surprises me, when I gaze at pictures taken long ago, is how many different lives I've already lived. A mother, one of six siblings, world traveler, journalist, skydiving instructor, life partner, gardener, hiker, and blogger. More would probably bubble up, given a bit more time. But that's enough for now.

It feels good to look back over so many decades and be grateful for all the opportunities and accomplishments that comprise the person I am today. The only poignant part of this trip down Memory Lane is knowing that memories are what I have left of many great life adventures. Travel no longer excites me, skydiving is a thing in the past, and I have unfortunately outlived my offspring.

This is the great mystery of life: nothing lasts, nothing stays the same, but somehow my sense of self is constant, having passed through life's many stages and now I reside in old age. I am content, no matter what lies ahead.
Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new... but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design? —Paracelsus
I wish you many good days and years ahead of joy and gratitude.
:-)

17 comments:

  1. To arrive in our twilight years and be content with the life we have lived is no mean feat. Your acceptance of the cards you have been dealt is a real credit to your spirit.

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  2. Memory Lane can be a delightful ramble and I am so glad that yours definitely falls into that category. And echo Fun60. I too have been a number of people, and hope to be more. And to continue to be an appreciator.

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  3. Contentment with life is how I feel too. That is a great photo!

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  4. You are one of the strongest, most ethical, kind, adventurous, energetic, smartest people I know, DJan. It’s such a privilege to know you. You continue to live your life to the fullest and I so admire your courage. Oh... and I like that photo a lot too.

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  5. Great quote, right on...Wishing you many more years of a great life with your friends and partner. May you always have good health to see you through the journey.

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  6. That is a good photo, and a great launch for a trip down memory lane. You mentioned gratitude, and I certainly feel that as I think back on my life journey. That shy, usually afraid little girl is still in me, but oh, the things she has accomplished in spite of herself.

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  7. That is a wonderful shot to hold onto.

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  8. I too have been enjoying my old photos this winter. Great memories and I too am content. Love that picture.

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  9. I like the term you use about how many lives you've lived. that kind of stopped me in my tracks. I've been many many different things. Interesting.

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  10. There are stages of life to be sure, and the next stage may be surprising one.

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  11. All things, and still a sweet person filled with joy and contentment of your life in the past & what lies ahead. You are a hero to us all.

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  12. Loved that picture for the anonymous nature of it yet how it shows the group as a single unit. You have worn many hats and will probably wear a few more in the future. I am enjoying the trip with you.

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  13. Yes, that sense of self is constant through it all. I love that photo, too.

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  14. This post resonates with me. I, too, have been through so many changes, and I don't think I have seen the end of it all.

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  15. Always changing and evolving. It is good to have wonderful memories to look aback to...your photo is lovely!

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  16. Many lifetimes indeed! I've been in awe of you since I first started visiting here. And continue to be so when I see how active you are (I'm not sure I could do some of those hikes!) and that you've kept up the regular blogging. I'm afraid I left both blogging and hiking by the wayside when I started my current job 6 years ago. It's a wonderful job, but exhausting! And I don't really have the energy to sit at the computer in the evenings at home... It's a pity too, because the job has opened up so many possibilities (especially places and people) for me to blog about! Maybe this quarantine period and the regular blogging will help me recharge my batteries and get back on the wagon and keep it up once this is all over... As some of my friends would say - Inch'allah!

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