Only yesterday, I was young and newly married. I blinked and two children arrived without instructions. Of all the university courses, no one offered a course on parenting. Time flew by and I found myself three times a grandfather. Grandchildren are magical creatures and so much smarter than I ever was. How did it all happen?

I remember older people through those years and thinking how behind the times they were and how little they knew. Of course, they were years away from me and winter was so far off I had no idea what it would be like to be old myself.

Suddenly, tomorrow has arrived and, at last, I realize how valuable every moment is and has been. I meet people I once knew and they’re all retired and getting gray. Some are in better and some worse shape than I.  We are now those older folks we used to see and never thought we’d be. 

I have regrets.  There are things I wish I hadn’t done. Mostly there are things I wish I had done. Then again, there are many things I’m happy to have accomplished.  

I have entered into this new season of my life unprepared for the aches and pains and the loss of energy and the ability to do the things I wish I’d done but didn’t.  At least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last, I’m not afraid of death. 

I’d like to say to those of you still waiting for tomorrow: don’t hold back. Whatever it is, do it now. Foreswear all those reasons “why not”. Don’t wait to say, “I love you”. Say it today and prove it while you still have the energy. Don’t wait for others to appreciate and love you for the things you did for them in the past. You want to write a book, paint, travel, explore new hobbies? Start today.  

The way you live this part of your life is your gift to those who will want to be like you.  Make it amazing and relish every moment you have left.          

Ben Nuttall-Smith