The Good Old Days
When you read this I’ll be in Mammoth in the Sierra Mountains enjoying a reunion with some of the great gals I’ve camped and hiked with over the years. Some of us (me included) are now too old to do what we used to do–hike to high elevations and far destinations. No more. My buddy and camping friend Kathleen and I will stay in a motel this time. I gave much of my gear to my daughter Erin and her family.
I am second in from the left with Kathleen to the right of me.
I’m sad to have arrived at a point where the inevitable is now reality but I remember saying years ago, I’m going to keep going till I can’t, and then be grateful for all the years doing what I always wanted to do–spend a couple of weeks in the wilderness each summer camping and hiking.
Funny, isn’t it, how these changes sneak up on us? Another one that I didn’t see coming is a change in my hearing. So the next stop when I return is the Costco Hearing Center for a hearing test and likely hearing aids to follow.
One more opportunity to be grateful–for the gift of hearing all these years and now for the ‘aids’ that will keep me going.
Precious is the gift of life and the love and guidance of our God from whom all blessings flow all our life long.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
In my eyes, you’ll always be the Karen I came to know and appreciate. Age is nothing. As you age, I age, and everyone else too. Just stay young at heart.
Will stay young at heart, as I know you are doing too, John. We have a lot of writing and conference memories to continue to share. You’ll always be a writing friend.
Dear, you and I do think alike when it comes to being grateful. I have learned so much by “listening and watching” people. I have to use a walker and make sure BOTH hands are holding on tight to the handles or I would fall, but I can still walk! My fingers hurt sometimes and I cannot use them to do my sewing projects nor make a sandwich for myself, but I can still use them and “feed myself” (smile) My eyes are not too good all the time but I can still see the sunsets that God provides~I could go on and on but you know without my saying anymore that I am so thankful and enjoy what I can still do and look back and see I have had a WONDERFUL life and I thank God I have the memories, Enjoy the trip and the motel! Love you, Margaret
Many thanks for your wonderful ‘shares,’ Margaret. I’m so grateful to know you.
Karen, we were just praying for you on your Sierra trip last night. So glad you can still do this, even with more comfortable accommodations. We too are finding we can’t do what we used to do and needing to adjust, which is not always easy. But as you say, we have so much to thank God for with the blessings, love, creation beauty, health and abilities he’s given us, and for his love and grace along the way!
And … I may meet you at the Costco hearing dept! (smile)
Thanks, Carol, for always being so supportive. Had a wonderful time in the Sierra, likely the final visit, but very grateful for it. Mammoth was Charles’s favorite spot so a lot of memories cropped up.
Karen, As always, your messages are helpful and thankfully received.
This morning, in my quiet time with my Lord,my mind was full of the events that I will have to face today.I felt, as I often do, rather hesitant and anxious but the message came to me clearly,”I am with you, we will do this together” This was such a great help to me, to know that wherever I am I am not alone and have the greatest helper that anyone can have. “We will do this together”
Thank you, I’m sure this has been your message over the years Colin
Colin, your response was a true blessing. I too, talk to the Lord all day and I continue to be amazed at how the answers come.
So sad I can not be with you gals in Mammoth, all our years of Sierra adventures in God’s wonderful creation. The journalling with you and awesome walks make my life so Blessed.
I do hope to see you next year or visit you at your home. Blessings and Happy Trails of Life. Lynn
Lynn, I missed seeing you. We had a good time but as we are all so much older, we enjoyed some shorter hikes. Did journal one afternoon and had some lovely buffets and campfires.
Beautifully said. Perspective is everything. Thank you for your ever-uplifting messages. 🙂
Thank you for continuing to encourage me, Angie.
Thank you Karen, a very timely message.I have been slowed down because of a legiment problem in the left knee.
Will be seeing an orthopedic surgeon soon. PT hopefully
I’m with you all the way in the adjustments that need to be made as the years go by. But I am ever so grateful for what I can do.
Love hearing from you, Joan. We go back a long way and I treasure our friendship.
Missing you Mom. How incredible that your hearing has been so good for so long. Happy for the aid of technology.
You inspire me daily and I love you.
Julie
Thanks, Julie. New changes in so many ways as the months go on. But always grateful for what I can still do. And thankful for my children who walk through them with me. I love you.
You are so gracious in aging. I’m still learning – started realizing having maybe 20 years left, if I stay healthy. Of course God can call any of us home no matter our age. Still, you have such a good outlook on life. 🙂
What a lovely comment, Kristi. It’s wonderful to hear your encouraging words. Thank you.