I do not have any friends who are facing their golden years living in the lap of luxury. I have friends who could afford to be or do anything they wish but that is not their style. I have always been more attracted to simple folk who care about others at least equally with themselves.
That model was not always the case in the generation older than I...My mother had friends who were completely self absorbed and I had at least one relative in that catagory. My best friend had a mother in law who was the poster child for it. Their comfort was not only their main concern, it was their only concern. I do not remember one of their lives as being happy.
This made an impression on me but not one that was a conscious force in my life. As Popeye said so profoundly "I yam what I yam!". But I do think about it now as I am growing older and less fearless and more in need from time to time.
There is a ying-yang to all of this. What you give is cast to the universe to return when you need it. And you can continue to give for a very long time...an extra call; a smile to someone having a bad day or a ride to someone who needs it or a song to a senior. We all have a gift.
When my mother was in a nursing home at the age of 95, she remained kind and appreciative to the staff. It was her nature and not everyone did. They appreciated her and she left that place gently as she deserved. These random acts do not take more than a small effort, I am grateful that it is in my DNA.
