Boy, do I have the inside scoop for you! The following information must be guarded with your baby-boomer lives.

Did you know? Do you really know that your children will one day, metaphorically speaking, that is, become your parents? Now is the time to enjoy this allegory, this time of adventure, and symbolic role-playing with your adult children, … and hold on, because this will be some kind of a ride, with you in control, as usual, but allowing the offspring to think, “they thought of it.”

Here are a few thoughts, questions, and possible answers.

(1) Mom, why does it take such a long time for you to get dressed?

Answer: Looking this good is not a snap, I must work on it, persuade it, beguile it, and wish upon my lucky star … but it works.

(2) Mom, don’t forget you’re old.

Answer: When you’re my age, you better hope to look as good as I do.

(3) Mom, don’t you think you should cook more often, like my favorites?

Answer: Why? Has Ryan’s and Cracker Barrel closed?

(4) Mom, give me a house key.

Answer: Okay, when you bring me one for your door.

(5) Mom, I love you.

Answer: I loved you first, and will always love you, my child.

Growing older is a challenge for everyone, … and if you live long enough, you will become an elder. The alternate course is death at a young age, we all know that, but people should not dwell upon an untimely death or we would all go nuts. It seems the old advice about life is the best: Live each day as if it were your last day … so profound.

The old adage of spending your time with what you love, your passion, and what you enjoy is still great advice, and it goes for people as well. Not to be mean, but becoming more selective with your friends, acquaintances, and even some of your relatives, will payoff with lowering your blood pressure and calming your nerves. One of the joys of life is your friendships, true friends – the one’s who will let you cry on their shoulder, laugh at your bad jokes, not always agree with you, but together you can talk it out, … and call, just to say, “Hello.”

And let us not forget the unconditional love of our little fuzzy ones … that puppy that wags his tail whenever he sees you, or the kitty that can purr a-mile-a-minute, even when you’re too busy to notice. These little ones will always think you are wonderful, and will never cause you any heartache, plus, the pups and kitties can help to keep your feet warm on the long winter nights. Ahhhhhh.

Not to sound lazy, but it’s okay, yes, it really is all right to sit upon your rear and spend the entire day reading or watching television, if you want. Of course, one mustn’t indulge this type lifestyle everyday, but enjoy a variety of uplifting experiences, such as volunteerism of your choice…. I repeat, volunteerism of YOUR choice. Remembering, the experience of volunteering is at your pleasure – never feel pushed into signing up for everything, that’s a good way to have an early burnout.

With these thoughts, I must mention, The Red Hat Ladies. If you do not know, this is a delightful organization of retired lady-folk … who have no agenda, no charity work, no mission statement, no ways and means, no community projects, and no purpose – other than to have fun … my kind of group! Their thinking is: We have worked hard all of our lives, raising our kids, and volunteering … now it is our time to have fun. I agree.

Recently I received an email, one of those forwards. I don’t always read them line-to-line, but this one caught my attention – here are the final lines:

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present … Live It Well!

That pretty well sums it all up … but back to those kids … here is your Trump Card. In time, and it won’t be that long, your kids will have kids, (maybe they already do) and your little grands will take care of business, yes-s-s-, they will…allowing the same thoughts for your children that we are having today… share the joy!

Today is a gift … Live It Well!