Blog draft June 1 26

Aging

Or is it spelled ageing? I don’t know, and I don’t care, but I wanted you to know at least I thought about it!

I was with a group of old friends who met 20+ years ago in a variety of organizational life and charity. Some of us had not seen each other in more than 5 years, some maybe 10 years ago. It was interesting to note the changes in each of us, and that’s putting it mildly. In some cases I was stunned. I wonder how they were in seeing me at first glance, too. Such is the story of aging.

We see ourselves every day in the mirror as we shave or dress. We can note some changes, but most we do not. Gradual changes are not noticeable. Some lines, sags and bulges appear in time, same with hair color. But it is the shape of use that strikes me the most. Once slender folk are more bulbous, round. In honesty, the same is true of my own shape.

Reacquainting each other was a slower process. We wondered what they did for a living, were they now retired and for how long? Do they live in the same general area when we had first met? Some have moved all over the place, some with two homes or three. They move about a lot and avoid harsh seasons in some regions. They seek warmth, not cold. Clear blue skies, not snowy slopes and streets. Smart they are; I’d do the same if I could afford it, but then I would miss the kids and their kids. No, I generally stay put. It keeps me better rooted.

The interests we had way back when are still our interests today. We care about other people, those who are homeless or sick with AIDs, some with training and skillset needs. The social services we supported in the old days remain a commitment to this day. Oh, some of the issues have changed greatly. Look at AIDs. When we were housing the ill and failing brothers with the disease, there was no hope. Now, near AIDs free these days. Sure, the ailment continues but outward signs are lacking due to amazing drug therapies. Our group noted changes in treatment back then and pressed our organizations into new modalities. We trained people for new jobs, helped them get into new homes and generally adjust to new realities that were then becoming less lethal. We were right to do so; hindsight tells us that. But I recall being thought a radical for such actions back then.

This group of people have remained whole and forward looking through huge social changes. It was motivational to rub shoulders with them again. Sometimes we think progress is absent; it is not. Change comes, both the good and the bad kinds. Our intentions are often the harbingers of the good. Let’s not forget that.

In the meantime, remember the Epstein Files. Maybe just desserts are still possible in that department?

June 1. 2026

 

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