by Jim Ross

Created on: April 23, 2008

Strange as it may seem, life becomes harder and more difficult the older you become. Youngsters may not realize it but they have it made. Throughout their fledgling existence everything is done for them, and everything that can be felt for them, is felt. It isn't until you do age that you begin to become more sentient. I call it the melancholy years - a time when things happen over the age of fifty when life's main drawback seems to be that all your friends are going away one by one, and that you spend most of your time following them on their final journey.

Some do make it to three score and ten, but most do not. It's such a sad shame that most folk only just start their retirement and begin enjoying life when their number is pulled: "Come in number ten, your time is up!" Of course, there are the really lucky ones who seem to go on and on and on right up into their nineties or farther and God Bless those that do because they deserve it. Maybe they were blessed beforehand with longevity from the Big Boss Himself!
As we age life does become a funny thing too. We always say seventy is no age to pop your clogs these days, and we're right to do so nonetheless. It doesn't make our lives any more pleasant, or easier, when we hear of someone very young, in their twenties or so going on that final journey - perhaps even a member of the family. We just think there's no justice in life, or the world, because it really does defy belief.

This afternoon a friend of my family began her final journey and started what I call "the transition period" or the beginning of crossing over. Naturally, instinctively, when she hobbled outside her front door to see the doctor we knew she wasn't long for this world. That was yesterday and at times like this, as speedy as it is, we can only say "thank you" for making the end result so quick as to minimize any pain or suffering. I can only hope that my prayer for healing and helping her, last night, got there in time.

In her younger days she was quite the hardened battleaxe. No-one would ever get one over on her, and those who tried were literally sent packing. But, as she aged into her sixties, she became one of the nicest people you could wish to meet. She kept watch on your home if you went out to do shopping, etc. and if children were misbehaving in front of the doors, she told them and their parents in no uncertain terms, yet she could charm you into loving her, and always made you smile or see the funny side of things.

These are gemstones in life we all come to appreciate and remember with love in our hearts. Today it is my turn to remember and to reflect and like you, when loss comes to your door, tomorrow may be your day for remembrance of those who made a difference and gave our lives meaning. Only the young fledglings I mentioned earlier will feel nothing, because it's not their turn to do that yet, but they will, as surely as God is our witness.

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