burning libraries

During the 20th century we added almost three decades to the average human life expectancy. An editorial by Henry Alf*rd in the L.A. T*mes (Jan. 30, 2009) talked about the gift we have today of people living longer. The author spoke of being over 70 as a time of self-fulfillment and  self-mastery (if medical maladies can be avoided), a time to be more at home with yourself than ever before. The oldest woman in the world (114), a daughter of former slaves,  proclaims that the hallmarks of old age are "wit and acceptance." It is common knowledge that old people are wise. What do we do with all that wisdom that is available to us? That's a question especially for the younger generation to consider. 

It seems people die more in the winter than other times of the year. I know, because the publication I write for includes obituaries, and there are always more in the winter months than any other time of the year. I love the African proverb the article closes with: "The death of an older person is like the burning of a library."

Photo: My father during the last year of his life. He was a pastor for many years, and when he could no longer put it all together to preach, he continued to minister to people through his piano playing. A gift to all of us.