I might be getting old

I'm not sure how it happened but I think I might be getting old. The interesting part of this is it has happened fairly quickly, that's if I'm right of course.

Because of many injuries suffered by evil motorcycles, a few of which suddenly turned on me when I least expected it I now live with lots of aches and pains. I've been aware of these aches and pains for a long time, but most of that time they have lingered in the back of my mind; and have been easily enough put to rest by practising physical therapy at home, the occasional prescription medication, and the often attempted "drowning " of the discomfort courtesy of one of my favorite dark lagers, or maybe a good Merlot.

Lately none of that has worked, use it or lose it is what they all say, and I'm trying, believe me. The other day I thought maybe I needed to have a good talking to with myself, so I looked in the mirror so that only "eye contact honesty" would be acceptable. This eye to eye contact was startling to say the least..Who is this older man looking back at me? For a moment I turned away thinking it must be someone else's image, but it was me..

At a recent meeting I attended I starting daydreaming about things I refer to as "last time was the last time". An example of this as Alex would say on Jeopardy is a "new car". I'm old enough now that although I have bought many new cars in my life there probably will not be another. I am much more aware now when I visit a friend that it might possibly be the last time we will visit. I think about the last time I visited the cemetery where my mom is, and yes it's been awhile, much to long actually. I sincerely hope that the last time I was there is not the last time I will be there. Same goes for my dad.

Those motorcycles that have hurt me so many times were always off road bikes, and most often the injuries were the result of my own inability to control the beast. I take full responsibility for every crash I ever suffered. What I know is that leading up to each crash I was having fun, and as soon as I recovered I went back to it and had fun again. No regrets! What concerns me now is how to tell those people I enjoy riding with off-road that I'm near the point of the last time being the last time.

Personal responsibility is a must in what we call dual-sport riding. often times the rides are multi day requiring camping equipment, motorcycle repair equipment not to mention the ability to use it all accurately and swiftly. Think about telling a group of macho men riders, all younger than yourself that you must find some flat open ground space each morning and go through a stretching ritual absolutely essential to being successful in (for starters) being able to get your leg over the bike without either tipping it over or throwing your back out which would require someone setting your tent back up for you and waiting out the spasm episode for a day or two. If you've guessed at this point "it ain't happening" then you have it right.

So you must make a decision, or the decision might be made for you. Example; losing the privilege to drive an automobile. Do you at some point say this time was the last time, or do you angrily continue to jeopardize everyone in your path until someone else says enough is enough?

So i guess what all of this adds up to is appreciation of everyday, and of everything that is important to you. There are those that say life isn't over until it's over; that you may step off the curb young and healthy and be run over by a bus.However with that all said the possibilities of each thing you do being the last time you will do that grow exponentially each day.

What this is all about is appreciation not sorrow. Enjoying each day in these "golden years" (God I hate that term!, is much like surviving cancer, which by the way I know about first hand, it is about rediscovering life and each precious moment, all the good things, all the beauty, certainly not the 6 o'clock network news, which may "inform you" as many say is important, but will also stress you out will nothing but the bad news of the day. At this age I prefer good news, and as much as I can get.

I'd like a wonderful story about a wonderful person accomplishing an incredible feat to be the last time I ever hear the news.

So each time you do something you consider important do it as if it may be the last time you will do it, and live in the moment, take it with you, hold it near, and if it is the last time, your last moment, well now you see what I mean, how much better can it be?.