What’s it like to be old Grandpa? My granddaughter’s question startled me and while I wondered what to reply the little girl had more questions: “Where does God live? Where does the sun go at night? Where do the stars go in the daytime?” Without waiting she skipped off to explore new mysteries in her exciting and ever changing world.
Left alone I reflected on what is it like to be old. All around me things have changed. Life today is a mad house, modern technology is a mystery, iPads, computers, kindles, cell phones, YouBook, Face tube. Young people speak a foreign language while they text, at blinding speed, or twitter on a social networking site (whatever that is!).
Don’t think, that because you have taken the course at the local library, that you have tamed the computer! You can be a “Silver Surfer”, access “Goggle” and surf the net! But beware the smartphone; one that makes and receives calls is enough!
So what is it like to be old? Where does God live? Where does the sun go at night? Where do the stars go in the daytime?” We ask the questions, but do the answers matter?
Life is what you want it to be and you make the choice. Enjoy the sunset and wrap yourself in the warm memories of yesteryear because these are exquisite joys to be nourished, and held close to the heart.
Bill Conroy, Ely
