Lughnasa Harvest Moon
Then again. After my presentation this morning, Be Glad You Exist, (see Third Phase header above for the full text) a lively discussion ensued. One man, a bearded man in his late 70’s, spoke of advice his father, who lived to 96, gave him, “You have to decide whether you want to be an animal or a vegetable.” An engineer by training, this same man talked of early volunteer experiences which wanted his skills, from age 13, not the mature, thoughtful skills of a lifetime’s learning and practice. He now volunteers at the Rondo Library in St. Paul as a tutor.
Another woman, also well into retirement, saw many of the folks who had less than $100,000 or less than $25,000 in retirement savings. They needed, she said, prompts to admit they needed meals on wheels, congregate dining.
Another man, also retired awhile, said, “We invented rock and roll. And youth culture.” We’re still dealing with the consequences of that we decided.
Leslie, an attorney, whip smart and wanting to lower her stress level by cutting back, admits she fears no work. How would she keep sharp? Exercise her mind?
Ginny, who talked about her life on the reservation growing up in dire poverty, said, “Western culture puts so much emphasis on money, but on the res it’s community. My sister has cancer and I love the way the community has rallied around here. Whether she’s to stay here or not, she knows she’s loved.”
There was, too, excitement about defining this time, helping it become a new thing under the sun. “If we have enough energy,” Leslie said.
I believe we do.
