Tragedy

Albert Schweitzer said: “The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives.” And that means an awful lot of people by the look of all those who are sad and depressed, or bitching all the time about what is wrong with the world.

            I think that what dies is a willingness to see the possibilities of life, no matter our age. Of course, with age we face certain physical challenges that at times surprise us. And doctors are quick to prescribe meds for whatever assails the human body, but I often wonder if there is not a need to increase awareness that the mind and the soul also need care. 

            With age we face losses of all sorts, from being away from children and grandchildren who are making the most of life far away to coming to terms with thinning hair. Our attitude to those changes is all important as far as I am concerned. It’s a question of whether we see the glass half full, or the glass half empty. With the many means of communication available today, keeping in touch with children and grandchildren is easy, no matter where they choose to live. As for thinning hair, we can make up our minds to be proud of it or find ways to take advantage of the many options on the market to mask it in some way.

            It’s only a matter of seeing the silver lining.

            My 92-year-old brother-in-law has never ceased to see life’s possibilities. He still enjoys golf three times a week because “at my club everything is free for those over 90.” Now, that’s the right attitude if I ever heard one.

            When I was younger, I did enjoy meeting people for happy hour, however today happy hour is a nap!  Still enjoyable.

            As the years pile on, we know that life is not tied with a bow, but those who see how great a gift it is can prove Schweitzer wrong.