I'm only three months away from my 90th birthday and I truly appreciate the comments made by Bruce.
My wife died in 2002. I was at a loss for two years. One day after driving to a state park, it seemed like the curtain lifted some. After that, the loss was still remembered, and still is today, but it became more bearable.
I had four siblings, all sisters. The last one left this earth three years ago. She was partly instrumental in me riding motorcycles. Her passing was hard to take and still is.
Our chapter of the Korean War Vets has lost four members in the last five years and serious medical problems are cropping up among the rest. Our chapter is called "The Quiet Warriors" and, in the not too distant future, the name will become apt for another reason, as all of us are in our late 80's or older.
Among all of these losses, I don't give much thought as to why we are here. I don't give it thought as to why I'm approaching 90 while many friends have gone (I can think of RJ , he said that he would 'catch up to me" but never did, Bless him)
What I do give thought to is that I have a family who reminds me why I am here. I have a church family who always ask how I am doing. I have friends in local government who do the same. What more do I need? Nothing! I live in the present. I live in an environment that I've helped create and I am better for it. I do most certainly wish that I could associate with my friends here by riding with them but that is not to be and that is part of life. We find that it is part of life that we will reach a point where we no longer can do what we want to do.
For me, I think about two things. I believe that I will have eternal life when I pass because of Christ.
The other thing is I hope that i will leave some kind of legacy and that the number of persons attending my passing (Celebration of Life) will not depend on what the weather is like that day.
Wayne, solo1
