(here we are again)
Today, it turns out, is a significant anniversary as another old friend graduates to “old” friend (at least numerically – if not in spirit).
I visit my 87 year old mum, in care, and consider the time she /we might have remaining.
” All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”– Gandalf (in the film, not the book).
I spoken before about finding kinds of truth in odd places, and I find the Gandalf line, resonating with me more and more these days.
Good friends get an all clear from “cancer”, another one gets a confirmed diagnoses.
Sixty is hardly the finish line. But it’s hard to avoid wondering if it’s the corner into the home straight? I certainly don’t mean to be maudlin, I’ve always had a personal insouciance about death, it’s the bit before that’s important, and I find myself reviewing (yet again) what I want out of my generally laisse faire life, and if I’ve decided well what to do with it?
I briefly wound up conversing with some of my 21yo sons guests at his party. I asked if they’d heard him play guitar,,, they had. In fact they’d specifically heard “the Ballad of Lucky Dog” and were – amused – entertained? to meet me in person. And in a funny kind of way, I find that is a kind of confirmation that I haven’t got it all wrong.
Next week on IaDL : Probably more about birthdays….
PS Fiona if you’re there – happy (forever Young) Birthday! I still remember you sending Alasdair – whom I had not met- to walk up to me at a party – and say “you are Lucky Dog and I have your album!”
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 