"I Am Always Remembering..."

The truth is I remember seeing and using all these products and in these packages. Yes, for you younger folks, TP used to come in an array of pastel colors to coordinate with your bathroom tiles. During holidays, I remember TP printed with holiday motifs like holly and jolly Santas! Do they even make aerosol and roll-on deodorants anymore...? 

 

When I was young, almost everything came in glass bottles and metal cans including soda pop. As I marveled at recognizing everything in this photo it reminded me of just how old I am. It also reminded me of the curse of growing old, and that is having the dreams of men still young. Many of my wildest dreams came true, at least in part or for a short while... so although I have regrets, they're far fewer than I would have imagined having at this stage in my life.

Every day I'm reminded that I'm in the final stretch of this race we call life. I heard yesterday that an old friend (and I don't have many friends, old or otherwise) died of a sudden heart attack at home on Sunday. My friend Derrick was just a couple of years older than me. My brother died this year and he was just 10 years older than me, in fact of the six of us brothers and sisters I grew up with, the three oldest are gone now. It's sobering to realize you're probably next.

I'm definitely not lamenting the end of life approaching, at least not today. I have many memories to look back on and I am always remembering. I hope I might live as long as my parents, but if not, if I can at least be productive and stay active for whatever time is left, I'll be happy.