Yesterday launched a brand new year, I gave a cursory glance
back at 2023, recalled the wonderful moments, tried not to
dwell on the truly tragic. That was it. Any more energy spent
on retreating would have been an exercise in futility .. a
boatload of purposelessness adrift on a roiling sea.
My Mother passed away at the age of eighty-three. This year I
turn eighty-three. Need I say more? When I turned forty-five
[the age my father passed] I could not imagine outliving
him. Angst ruled that day.
I am in a different head space come 2024, lots of life lived,
more to go .. I will celebrate eighty-three in grand fashion.
I will not act my age. I will wear something outrageous.
I will dance. I will sing. I will toast with champagne. I will give
thanks for all that I have. All that I am.
promise to myself
as long as I am alive
authenticity
C'mon Helen....are you sure you aren't fifty three? I hope I never act my age, whatever that may be. You have the mindset of a young person and that's what matters.
ReplyDeleteMy mother didn’t even reach 80 and it’s the anniversary of her death next Tuesday. My father died when I was 53. I know what you mean about outliving parents – we expect them to be with us for ever. I’m glad you are in a different head space – grow older disgracefully and have fun doing it! I love the haiku!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will be living each day well Helen! And may there be many many more.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Helen!
ReplyDeleteHelen, the way you navigate through the past, acknowledge challenges, and embrace the promise of authenticity is both touching and inspiring. The haiku encapsulates your resolution beautifully. Here's to celebrating life with authenticity and joy! Well done!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
David
SkepticsKaddish.com
Dearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteVery well phrased haibun.
Your Dad lives on in you and your Mom sure was a trooper for reaching that mark!
Hugs,
Mariette
I love your spirit, Helen. Yes, celebrate the heck out of being 83. My mom died at 76. I have had the same thoughts this year as I am 76........my health did take a spiral down. But we're still here, and there is so much to celebrate in that.
ReplyDeleteYes, be sure to ACT as if you are not old. Nice Tanka, Helen.
ReplyDeleteRingo Star is also 83. Al Rocker is only 67. The Aussies call being in the eighties OBE for Over Bloody Eighty. It is a good target for all. Arlene was 80 this January 1st. I was 90 in October, on the 30th. That is the time to fall apart a bit, I became anemic and have a digestive problem. My dad live to be 97, died in 2007; Mom died at 88 in 1999. Arlene's father died when she was only seven, her mother lived to be 89 and died in 2007. More of Mema is here,
https://jimmiehov.blogspot.com/search?q=mema
..
Add wearing purple to your list! You look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHelen, this is such a perfect way to live your life. Be you and enjoy every minute of it! Here's to a new year filled with love and joy. 🩷
ReplyDeleteDear Helen, you inspire me to look forward to turning 83 one day! Love your haibun and may you continue to celebrate life.
ReplyDeleteOoh I love this, Helen. The haiku ties it all together perfectly.
ReplyDelete