STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

Special Treat ??“ Sharlett Hunt

May 12, 2005

Official Senior Citizen

by Sharlett Hunt  5/11/05

  Today I am officially a senior citizen.  Funny, I don't feel like one.  In my younger years I never fathomed living this long but here it is. 

   On my mother's side of the family, longevity was something that was not to be, at least not for her and her only sister.  They both died before their fiftieth birthday.  They also both died of heart related illness.  I take blood pressure medication and a beta blocker as I have had a little trouble in the past.  Needless to say, fifty was a hard one for me.

  My dad, on the other hand, is eighty-eight, and still going strong!  I hope I took after his side of the family.  His sisters and brothers all enjoyed a nice long, active  life.  He's had relatives who live into their hundreds. 

  Thing is, had I known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.  I would have exercised more and tried to eat those things that are good for me.  I certainly would not have drank alcohol as I did for years, nearly letting it take the breath out of me. 

  All the things I have learned that have led up to today are what is important in my life now.  I want to live each day as it comes, never looking into tomorrow or worrying about a wasted past.  I will treat people as I love to be treated, with kindness and understanding.  And I will learn to dance as I am never too old to learn new tricks. 

  I give thanks for this day and will for all the other days that I am allowed to continue on this earth.  I am glad that I am older, without all the problems that seemed to plaque me as a young person.  I am happy to have lived for fifty five years and realize as I get older that the alternative is not very pleasant.

Sharlette863 @aol.com


About Me:

I was born in Alabama, the middle of seven children. At about age four we moved to Central Florida and I have lived here most of my life. I am a Viet Nam Era Veteran. I have always enjoyed writing and as I get older it seems to come more naturally to me. I believe everyone has many stories inside them and some are blessed to be able to share them.