Clinton Township Newsletter

1 F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 February 2015 February 2016 Jie Fly, Edit Jie Fly, Edit Since 1982 "You can't blame gravity for falling in love." ~ Albert Einstein "You can't blame gravity for falling in love." ~ Albert Einstein I'm writing this column in January on my Fiftieth Birthday! It's odd – 50 feels quite a bit like 40, and 30, and even 20. I can feel the years at times in my joints, and certainly see them when I look in the mirror, but intrinsically, I feel much like the same person I've always been. While I've gained some wisdom over the years, I also can very much relate to Bob Dylan's lyrics, "I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now." Meaning, life was a lot simpler when I was younger, but the more I learn about life and people from year to year, the more I realize I don't actually know. I'm quick to use the words "In my opinion" these days, because I think that a lot of information that's out there can be looked at in a myriad of ways. Politically I stay out of the fray (especially in this publication!) because, while I do have my opinions, I feel that espousing them is a good way to make enemies. At this point in my life, making friends, forging bonds and discovering similarities is much more important than being "right" (whatever "right" means). I've learned a lot about people over the years. I've learned that domineering and/ or hateful behavior is often a cover for someone who actually feels quite fearful deep down. A braggart is often trying to convince themselves, more than you, of their superiority. I've learned that once people begin to get to know one another, no matter how different they are, the walls break down and acceptance begins. I've learned that there are always multiple sides to a story, so it's important to listen with an open ear. I've learned that we live in a small town and everybody knows everybody! This keeps me in line when passing along gossip... I mean, relating local information. I've learned that I can be totally wrong... and I've (sort of) learned to admit it when I am. It seems to me that while people are, of course, all very different and unique, we are, more than not, the same. We all want health and happiness, we want the best for our kids and loved ones, we cherish our freedom and appreciate it if we're lucky to have a precious bit of land. I treasure my family's good health because I remember very clearly times when good health wasn't a given. I've sat bedside vigil for my husband and oldest son who were once quite ill in the hospital, brought my youngest son through an infancy and childhood rife with illness, and my daughter through Lyme and MRSA too. In terms of health (and dressing warmly!) I am now a totally hovering-mother. I appreciate more than ever the fact that, as Annie sings, the sun will come up tomorrow. Each birthday is a blessing, and I'm lucky to make it to age 50. So, here's to another 50 years! (?) I seldom think of myself as being old. I still don't dye my hair. I'm probably not a very good role model for women in their 80's. But the older I get, the nicer people treat me. Is it because I'm no longer a threat to anyone under 80? (I doubt I was EVER a threat to anyone!) The world is so different from when I was born in 1928. Not necessarily better; just different. Young people have so much more freedom than I did. Back then we really couldn't say the words "sex" or "breast" or "cancer". Lucy and Desi weren't able to share a double bed on their television show. Women, especially, have made so much progress striving for equality and I still feel like cheering over the invention of the "pill." I'd be thrilled if we had a woman as President of the United States, but there's no one on the horizon I'd vote for so far. I went straight from high school to college to marriage to motherhood. I didn't really discover "me" until the 1960's, but I've been pretty happy with that discovery ever since. However, there is always room for improvement. At age 88 I drink a lot of water and Scotch and I walk several miles each day. I love it when something I say or write makes people laugh. I'd be pleased to have a slightly humorous obituary and an off-beat tombstone.And, of course, I'd like to die at the hands of a jealous spouse! It's important to enjoy your life because there's no guarantee of tomorrow or next week or next month. If you must decide whether or not to scrub the kitchen floor or relax and watch reruns of "Big Bang Theory," let the floor go. You may get run over by a truck and never have to scrub the floor at all. (OK, I'm quite certain I'd tackle the floor, so I have a few more things to learn.) My priorities have changed over the years. When my first great-grandson started to crawl it made me feel happy for days. I have a lot of respect for other people's integrity even when their political or religious views totally conflict with mine. I know how important it is to exercise my mind as well as my body. Crossword puzzles have become more fun and I can come up with the right answers to a whole bunch of "Jeopardy" questions. Long ago my parents told me I could do anything I wanted in life. And they were partially correct. I have to make adjustments for having less stamina, but I'm far wiser than I was at 78. And I'm mighty glad just to wake up every morning. A word to the wise: Do you young people want to spend your whole youth trying to stay young forever? It's so time consuming and kind of a waste of precious time. Stay in the game as long as you can. It's never too late to re-invent yourself. The party isn't over until it's over. CLINTON TOWNSHIP Newsletter ® CLINTON TOWNSHIP Newsletter ® – Julie Fl�nn

• Cover