Getting old, so what?

By Willie Jose
Toronto-Canada
September 12, 2015



I’m getting old, so what?

With my age at 65, I’m officially considered a ‘ senior” —and the first time I finally realized that I‘m now old was when I dropped $2 for the Toronto bus ride which normally would cost me $ 3. I took that ride one early morning in February and I was a little bit  worried, thinking that the driver might ask for some ID to prove my age.


That the driver just glanced at me without asking any question is enough proof that I’ve reached the twilight of my life, an old man who deserves transport discounts and some  other benefits given to  seniors.

Despite my age, I don’t feel I’m over the hill yet because my mind keeps telling me that I’m still young and I could still pursue some creative and productive activities.

And yet my trembling knees and hands, face’s wrinkles, receding hairline,  slow reflexes,  and the  not-so-smooth skin complexion show the true state of my being

Physically,  I get tired easily and on several  times I’ve walked around our home neighborhood, I’ve to make some stops, trying to catch my breath but still I have to do this little exercise for my own good.

Even the food I’m eating, I’ve noticed the frequency of oatmeal or chocolate porridge for my breakfast; sometimes, just a slice of bread, one sunny- side-up  fried egg is enough for me . Eating out at MacDo, I would normally order a combo of Angus hamburger, French fries, and pop, but still I have to share half of the sandwich with my wife because I couldn’t finish off the sandwich.

From time to time, I would go to Tim Horton’s coffee shop to sip my favorite cup of coffee with  double cream and sugar, plus  a chocolate donut on the side.

In short, I’m not a big eater anymore—the big appetite is still there, but something inside tells me, “ no heavy breakfast for you.”

But   as I look around now, I know I’m not getting any younger – my friends and other siblings have either retired or retiring. Even my doctors here in Canada whom I used to see me for my yearly check-ups have already retired; I could not find my former nurses who had taken care of me when I was very sick a few years ago, maybe they have retired too.

Regrets? None at all. I’ve lived a joyful life; I’ve changed for the better, mellowed  down;  I’ve become  wiser—and what I’ve  experienced , I could   simply say  I’ve been there, I’ve done that. So, I’ll just do the best thing I can to live the rest of my life in a meaningful way.

 I know now what matters to me most —my spirituality. I’m sure tons of money and other material things will not make me happy or feel blessed. At present, my wife and I are happily doing our share in the preaching work and studying the Bible with other people. I’ve developed much appreciation for some little things   like catching up with my reading and writing and giving quality time to my family.

Small things such as walking around the neighborhood with my wife Lilia every morning, dining out with my children and grandchildren and spending time with them  bring  immense happiness  to me.

While rummaging my old files one morning, I found a little inspiring card  published in 1974 that says “ love is … having her coffee ready .” I remember that I’ve kept this card through the more than 40 years of our marriage ,  thus I’ve been  inspired to prepare my wife’s coffee every morning .

The lesson? Well, I’ve learned that what matters most in life are the little things we do and share with our loved ones.

So, why don’t you ready your beloved’s coffee this morning?