At my age… the ripe old age of 67, my parents were retired. My Daddy from his Chiropractic Practice, My Mom from her shop, and her varied interests. They had retired from our hometown and built their house on Saint Simos Island. They had planned it and enjoyed the building, decorating, and living there. My Dad was feeling a bit lost and needed something, and was going back to school at the local college totake computer classes. He wanted to be a real estate agent, his love for architecture and his need to be among people drew him there. They were also travelling in Europe… England, Ireland, Scotland, and France another of their dreams for retirement. My mom did some decorating for the real estate companies when they staged houses, her love for antiques and design was evident. They were happy, more relaxed than when they were in the day-to-day world of work. But life was different then. Now, the chaos and instability of the world is draining. The financial aspect and the anxiety of even attempting to travel overseas are inescapable. I am glad they got to enjoy their golden years before this horrific “golden age” of Trumpism. I suppose I will be trying to work until the day of my cremation, the planning I had done is not evident. They were both gone by the time the insanity of this country started in earnest. I am Thankful they are not here to see the fall of democracy.

Reflecting on their journey, I can’t help but notice how gracefully they approached this chapter of life, even embracing new experiences and finding joy in each day. Their sense of adventure and openness to change inspired me then and continues to shape how I view aging now. While my current reality feels more uncertain, I carry with me the resilience and optimism they modeled, hoping I can find moments of peace and fulfillment just as they did.