A Thanksgiving Critique
As I contemplate this past weekend's activities, I reflect upon the normality of the everyday family. I had not been home in 8 years. It was a bit shocking to see how everyone in the family had changed. I guess for the first time, I really began to understand my mortality.
The grandparents are nearing the completion of their lives. My grandmother is racked with Scoliosis and degenerative disc. Last time I saw her she was upright. This time she stands, if you call it standing, at almost ninety degrees. It is a travesty of the human body. It was somewhat unnerving to see someone you care about being unraveled by a disease. My grandfather has transformed his role from provider to caretaker. I am not sure how much longer he can provide this role.
All the aunts and uncles came by. They too reflect the continuing progress of time. Soon, they will all be gone.
My brother and I went by my father's grave. Again, unnerved by the screaming reality of the complete eradication of this Seymour line. You see, my brother has no children and I have 2 girls. My uncle died a few years ago from an O.D., and he also has daughters. This Seymour generation will end with my brother and I.
I realize that death is a part of life. Everything has an end. The two go hand in hand. However, when it is unfolded before you, it is somewhat surreal.
As I reach the halfway point of my life (I hope anyway), life starts to take on a different meaning than when I was younger. Life use to represent no end. Living was an unending term used loosely through our words and actions. Your daily forward motion is not hampered by the realities of what is going on around you. It is you and only you.
I see now, that for me, the first 38 years of my life was to prepare me for the next 40 years of my life. Every situation, every day experiences, the ups and downs, the good and bad that has happened, has happened so I can navigate further and will greater skill in the next years.
So life goes on. The question that is begging to be answered is how will I finish my next few decades? Will I waste it like the first 3 decades and do next to nothing? How can I make the next 40 years greater than the first forty?
Perhaps the only living dynasty, the only real lasting impact is how you effect the people in your life. Will you take what you know and pass it on? Will you give what has made your life better and give it to others for their own paths?
A 100 years from now, what will really be remembered by your friends and family? At your funeral, what will people say about you?
Lots to ponder!