To get this “blog” started how about a few words on why it is even going to exist (which it hopefully will!).

As I have traveled in life to my current 83 years of age, so much has happened. There is the usual coming of age, early maturation, single life, married life, children, divorce, grandchildren, no more big time job, illness, and and just aging. Now the challenge seems to be to find my way as I get ever closer to the end of the runway. Most importantly, to find joy in this time.

Contemplating all of this I realized that my life is now primarily “In the Rear View Mirror”. Turns out that phrase is not original but it was/is new to me. At first blush the phrase seemed to reflect a sadness related to the approaching end of life. All the good stuff is behind you. As I contemplated this I realized that it actually needed to be welcomed and even celebrated as a realization and recognition of all of the amazing and wonderful things that have been part of my life.

The writings here will not all be reflections of what has been but they will certainly be influenced by all that is “in the Rear View Mirror”.

Many years ago as my Dad was in this Rear View Mirror time of his life I remember him saying that although his physical being was breaking down his mental view was not (fortunately!). The challenge seems to be balancing those two realities especially if you are fortunate enough to still have your wits about you, I.e. the old brain is still functioning even as its physical enclosure gradually wears out.

I have decided to try and use words (this blog) to help me deal with this phenomenon. It may work, it can’t hurt! Will I pursue “readers” or “subscribers”? No. The blog exists to encourage me to write and to sort out all the “stuff” rattling around in my brain.

An aside,I have realized over time that my brain is not very linear. I tend to have lots of things happening at once in there. This is often painfully demonstrated as I try to verbalize what is in there. What comes out of my mouth is not always as ordered and logical as it might be! Getting thoughts translated to the written word will hopefully help me to clarify some stuff by sorting through the fireworks display that exists in my head.

And so the journey (journal) begins…