As most of you know from my previous posts, I am somewhat pleased with my past accomplishments. I’m sure my old golfing friends are equally proud of theirs. Most of us are fortunate to still be living as good friends and neighbors in our retirement community. But, I believe, those who have had the most success in their productive years are probably the ones who most miss the joys of earlier achievements. Like me, all of them are now over age 85; some may truthfully say they are contented. But in my humble opinion, any that claims to be really happy, today, under current conditions, is either lying, has forgotten the past — or belongs to a very fortunate minority..
Dad -- You and I are so much alike regarding our solitude and need for quiet space. Maybe it was part of being an only child...but I never felt lonely or bored. I always found things to do and -- from what I remember -- was very content with my "oneness." I believe the reason my house in the woods in Muncie was so precious to me (as you know, it was completely secluded by my 5 acres of woods and surrounded by another 50-100 acres of adjacent woods) was because it truly was my sanctuary. I bought it about 6 months before we got Xian Dong, but even with 2 kids there before moving to Fort Wayne, it was as close to Heaven on Earth as I can possibly imagine. I'd have to say my biggest regret in making the move to FW was leaving that place. I cried and cried the day the moving van came. I day-dream nearly daily about going over that little rise in the road that supports a railroad track and -- after crossing -- seeing those woods to the left and having such contentment at knowing I was home, physically and spiritually.
ReplyDeleteDad -- This comment was supposed to go with your "Solitude" post. I don't know why I can't seem to comment on the right day's entry!!! UGH!!!
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