Category Archives: the aging journey

Third Chapter Conversations—Because We Are “Mortal”

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Why do I talk so much about the need for “third chapter conversations”? Although the moniker has not yet entered common parlance, and may never,  I’d like to share why it has so much importance for me.

In reaching 60, or thereabouts, I believe we do enter a new chapter of life. We feel it for sure. Our pace is slower, we ache, we contemplate retirement, or the need to not retire, and we find ourselves ending up with more than usual doctor’s visits, and some uncertainties about “what’s next?” Continue reading

A Creative “Unretirement”

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I found another one!  A creative man, making use of his days doing what he is good at and loves…no matter his age. He’s a member of the gym crowd at the local YMCA, which sources my many inspirations for blog posts.

Today, I am introducing 65-year old Terry Murphy.  A retired coach, professor, and bookstore manager from Holyoke Community College, he spends his summers mentoring boys ages 9 – 18 in a division 3 league of his own creation. Continue reading

Random Acts of Kindness

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Today, on my 76th birthday, I found in my mailbox a single York Peppermint wrapped in a note that wished me Happy Birthday. I had received one last year on my 75th, and the previous year on my 74th. The tiny candy came from an 88-year old, 13-year resident of our senior community who, as it happens, has been routinely giving these mints to everyone on their birthdays for years.Happy Birthday

When I found Jane to thank her, she said: “As principal of my elementary school, I gave every child a small token on their birthday. I didn’t want anyone to feel unnoticed on their special day. Being way beyond elementary school doesn’t diminish the need of all my fellow residents to feel recognized.” Continue reading