And Then It Is Winter

[Jo McDonald]

And it's winter before we know it....

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate.   And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.  I know that I lived them all...

And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go?

I remember well.. Seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like...  But, here it is...my friends are retired and really getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me... But, I see the great change...  Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... But, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day!  And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory!  Cause if I don't on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over...its over....Yes , I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done ,,,,,things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done.  It's all in a lifetime....

So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly!  Don't put things off too long!!

Life goes by quickly.  So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

"Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after.   Make it a fantastic one."   

LIVE IT WELL!!----

ENJOY TODAY!!!!-----DO SOMETHING FUN!!!----BE HAPPY!!!----BE THANKFUL!!!!!

[Catwoman]

Oh, sweet Jo...


Bitter though the breeze may blow, through the shadowed trees,
Winter brings within itself far more than enough to please...
The stinging crystals flung through the air in seeming disarray
Are actually the moisture that nourishes the earth, anticipating the way
That Spring brings with it the flowers that line the cobbled path...
Reward enough for waiting out Winter's chilly wrath.
Winter is the grey-bearded father who brings forth the suceeding days
That bring to us the birds...and songs...and joys of babies on the way.
Bless Winter, for it means a job that has been quite well done...
For Winter, too, was once a bonny day, full of Summer's sun.
Winter smiles, content in the knowledge that the ice is really a lie...
Beneath that ice is the proof that love will never, ever die.

My gift to you, Jo...Without your having gone through the seasons in your life and reaching what you call 'winter', we would not have your family or this Forum.  Your days are much blessed now...for you have blessed others.

Catwoman

[Jo McDonald]

               Catwoman, you bring a smile to my lips, a tear to my eye and a hug to my heart.
      Thank you.
           Jo

[frawin]

CATWOMAN, I have said it before and I will say it again, YOU HAVE TALENT. I think we will see your work published someday. You have a way of of making the reader feel that he is there, that he is feeling what you are saying. My favorite is still the first one I remember you putting on the Forum.
Frank

[Lookatmeknow!!]

Jo, that is so very right.  I have not had as long of life as you, but do hope to.  But living your life to the fulliest is so true, and appreciating everyone and everything around you that God has bless you with is also part of that.  I have really learned that this past couple of weeks.  With the fire we had, we could have lost so much, not only material things, but I could have lost my children and my wonderful husband.  I have stepped back and taken a new look at my life.  I know that winter does seem to get me down, but I pray to the Lord alot to help me deal with the everyday stresses of life and such.  You words of wisdom ring so true and touch my heart!!  You are a special lady and hope that life brings you and your husband many many more winters to come!!!!

Catwoman-  You are so talented!!  Your poems touch my heart!!

[Judy Harder]

Your words right so true. I am smiling just cause I know the lady who shared this with us.

One of the nice things about growing older is that the memories seem sweeter than they were
and if we are smart.......and adult, we let the hurts and sore spots alone and dwell on the good.

I shared that with a girlfriend.......I am so proud of your talent.

God bless.
Judy