Yesterday the neighborhood said goodbye to a long-time resident. No, Max didn't die. He just decided a while ago to move to St. George, Utah's Dixie, and yesterday was his last in Farmington.

Max has been in the neighborhood for over 20 years. His is a somewhat unfortunate story. He was a dentist that did well financially. A dozen or so years ago he retired to live the good life. A few months later his optic nerves died, leaving him sightless.

I met Max four years ago. We "bumped" into each other on a walk. I didn't know about Max, but after nearly running him over we spent at least 30 minutes in conversation. Max was frustrated about his blindness, how it occurred and the affect it had on his life. He expressed a real dislike for nerves that quite just as he was about to cash in on the good life. I thought he seemed a little bitter.

Four years later and I've gotten to know Max a little. He has become a fixture in the neighborhood. He now seems to be more accepting of his situation. He talks more about the possibilities of life. He's looking forward to his new life in a new place. He says that he will miss us. I know we will miss him.

There are many older men in the neighborhood. I'm starting to get closer to them in age than to the newly married youngsters. Still, there is plenty for me to learn. Some of these guys are nearing 90 and still have no physical ailments. But most of them have some struggles with health. A couple have recently gone to their reward due to cancer or heart disease. Others struggle on. Young minds trapped in aging frames.

In our youth we all feel invincible. Part of the plan. Without the courage of immortality we would all likely hole up at our parent's place and wait for the inevitable. As long as we have no inkling of death, or worse, debilitating illness, we go merrily on our way.

I"m starting to appreciate my mortality. An experience not unfamiliar to anyone past their 40th birthday. These old guys are my heros. Living through all of the struggles, heartaches and heart breaks that are dished out over a long life is truly inspiring. I only hope that I can accept the aging process with as much style and courage as my good friends and neighbors. Time will tell............
9:28:09 PM    comment []