DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OVER SEVENTY

Bette Davis remarked, “growing old ain’t for sissies.” Shakespeare’s comment was more dispiriting, depressing, and despairing.

“Last scene of all. that ends this strange eventful history, is second childishness and mere oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.”

“Ages of Man” monologue from As You Like It

My odometer passed the 70,000-mile mark three years ago. I have a lot in common with that Mercedes in the photo. Both of us have a lot of road time over bumpy terrain. There are dings and scars under the mud splashes. The tires are losing pressure and a little soft. there are a lot of dings under the mud splashes.

What do I do? Garage the car and take the key out of the ignition? Or keep driving and until the tank is empties beyond refilling.  The choice would be easier if I could see around the bends in the road and have a clear view to my “event horizon.” Google has not mapped those spaces and has no GPS coordinates for me.  

For now, I am keeping the keys. I am starting the engine and putting the gear into drive. From now on, I am driving with resolve. I am not vaguely following one road here: another there.  I want the last leg of my journey to be purposeful, to be joyful, to be expansive, and to be fun.

If you have traveled over 60,000 miles and wish to share my journey vicariously, then click the “Follow” button. Together we will discover what lies down the road when driving over seventy.