It now takes him longer to do things that once came easily. He no longer ran or lifted much. He tried to eat what his daughter recommended, but he didn't. Who would trade a greasy cheeseburger for a salad? Not him. He once lay on the grass to watch the stars, but, since getting up was harder, he brought his old recliner outside and lay back, often falling asleep until sunrise, when the roosters crowed.
He could still remember most things, and when he couldn't, he chalked it up to having a full mind that couldn't hold any more. It seems everything slowed down for him one day, and he never saw it coming, but he went along with it for the most part. Reading a story to a grandchild whose smiles and giggles filled him with inner peace, or holding a small hand and walking to no place special, were a few of the things where age didn't matter.
Life has slowed him down, but hasn't stopped him. He now has the luxury of rocking on the front porch swing for hours if that pleases him. He can walk in the rain and bask in the sun if he's so inclined. He's even been known to grill a cheeseburger on his outdoor grill, sprinkling it with drops of beer as he spoke to his daughter on the phone and silently laughing.
In his heart, he believes time slows us down for a reason, but that slowness allows us to take the time we need to reflect on our lives and all the amazing moments given to us.
Mike 2026
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