Robert hated his life. He lived in the house he was born in. He was an only child with very few friends.

He never married and never dated. He retired from his job at the bank years ago and always intended to travel. He never did. Now he decided it was time to change his situation.

He would start by exploring his neighbourhood. From his living room window he could see the park across the street and wondered often about the people who would sit on the bench and eat their lunches, chat with friends or just take in the beautifully manicured gardens. Could he do this? He was never allowed to play in the park or to invite classmates to his home. The few times he was asked to join in after school play dates, he never accepted. He was smart and interested in art and music. He sketched everyday items like lamps, kitchen utensils, and furniture. He showed them to no one, afraid of criticism.

Today would be the day he would cross the street and sit on the bench! He was ready!

He put his small sketch pad and a pencil in his pocket.

The simple act of being in the large park on display was frightening! This would change his life forever, opening new doors and situations. He waited a long time to change!

Already he felt the change.

How many changes have I been through in my own lifetime? I remember getting a transistor radio when I graduated from grade eight. It was the size of a small toaster and now I carry my entire life on my iphone. A pack of cigarettes was 37 cents and my summer job paid $1.15 an hour. My Dad would take us for Sunday rides that were 20 miles and back which was a big treat. On those rides we saw nothing but farms and cows. Now in a twenty mile jaunt I pass Hotel after Hotel, subdivision after subdivision, and one shopping mall after another.

Going to University changed my life. Getting married changed my life. Having children changed my life.

Getting divorced and remarried again changed my life. Every change has closed one door and opened another. I have learned to accept AND expect change.

The secret of staying young at heart is to keep changing, learning new things, mastering new technology ( a hard one for me) and letting things progress with ease.

We are in the process of selling a large house and moving into an apartment. Purging has been my biggest change. Getting rid of things from my childhood like books I have never read but still kept in the bookcases and photos of relatives I do not remember or have never even met!

I have found that even friends change. They come into your life for a reason and serve a purpose and then fade away.

I accept the changes of aging. I have learned to love my drooping eyelids and sagging jowls….character….they say. Every ache and pain is a reminder that I am still alive. The sun still shines, the flowers still bloom and I approach every day hoping for an adventure and something new to discover!

I have seen my sons change over the years and my grandchildren seem to be changing faster than I can keep up with.

The last few years have given us the biggest change. COVID has challenged us all and global warming looms over our future. Every generation had to face changes and they survived in spite.

With hard work, understanding and LOVE, we will too!

Winston Churchill said, ” To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”