the various stages

One truth that stands out for me is that the truth cannot be told by those who know. One example is growing old, if that is, if you are lucky enough to actually grow old. First you find that your stamina does not serve as previously. My father called it weakening down. I knew what he was saying but had not idea of what he was talking about it. However, that was the first stage, and it is entirely concerned with strength in the latter stages.

You hardly know when you start forgetting, but a good indication is that when your friends finish your sentences that your realize you are in what the government calls the donut hole. Actually, in point of actual fact, since I am convinced everything has a purpose, this is the stage designed to ease you into the various stages of body death. It is commonly known a failure to fall down. Young people in their power years, 40 - 60, cheerily patronize you assuring you they understand you what you are saying, but then go ahead and do what they want, and that without telling you anything about it. This is what sets you up for your later realization you were stupid, and likely more so at the present moment.

It is possible for anyone to slowly die inside before they can be recognized as dead outside as well. So it is at this stage you want to set your automatic coordinates for everything that you hope to see happen when you shed your bod like and old coat. This is when the reflection that hits you hard is your realization that young people are all good looking. We are not aware of this when you are young, only when you are old can you recognize this. Then it is largely too late. Also, money, money starts arriving in inadequate sums only when you realize you are losing claim to it.

Strength is wasted on the young, only when they lose it can that be confirmed. Once again being told about this cannot be told. Once you realize it, it is not only too late, you find yourself laughing about it with kindred knowing souls. Laughter of course, is the opposite extremity of weeping in public.

When I was young and strong I did not know enough to write about it. When I was older and wiser, I no longer had the energy or the health.