8.13.2007

Aging

You may have read on Natalie's blog that I have a birthday coming up and I do -- Saturday, August 18. It's interesting to have had enough years go by to be able to look back and really learn from the experiences I've had. What I"m finding the hardest is that inside, I feel exactly the same as I did when I was in my 20's, 30's and 40's (OK, I'm admitting I'm in my 50's now!! Sigh.) but then to look in the mirror and see this old face is hard. It's disconcerting to feel aches and pains and know it's because I"m not in my 20's, 30's or 40's and that those aches and pains aren't likely to get better with time.

I remember hearing a story about Elder Legrand Richards, who was asked by a Stake President a short time before his death, "Brother Richards, how are you feeling?"

The ninety-five year old apostle said, "Well, President. My body, the house I live in, is getting old and creaky. But the real Legrand Richards is still on fire!"

That's me. I'm still on fire -- you just can't tell it by looking at the outside! As Maya reminds me, I'm new, not old!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

the real me, i like that. you aren't old, either! i loved that we saw the 80 year old mama shopping with her 60 year old daughter and that the 60 year old was modeling for her 80 year old mama. how cute was that? that will be us in 30 years! :)

Jan said...

I thought that was way cute today too -- I can just see me sitting on my walker and you popping in and out of the dressing room. Very cute little mom and daughter!

Unknown said...

i think your color is good. looks lovely to me.

Holly O. said...

You sure as heck don't seem like an old lady! You are keeping up with Miss Natalie and her cuties, that says something.

Kristi said...

Love that quote! I think you look fabulous--I hope you have a great birthday, Jan! You're one sassy lady that I adore.

hoLLy said...

You look super young Jan. And you've got a great sense of style, so that makes you look even younger. And, you just act young! You are so cool!