From here to there
I recently visited my pickleball friends in New Hampshire. Reconnecting with old friends, playing pickleball under a crisp October sky, followed by laughing over pizza and homemade cookies renewed and reaffirmed my sense of being alive. Our group, made up mostly of octogenarians, seemed to celebrate not only our friendship but the privilege of growing older together. Among us were friends who had…
On a crisp October afternoon, the author visited pickleball friends in New Hampshire. Reconnecting with old friends and playing pickleball under a clear sky, followed by enjoying pizza and homemade cookies, brought a renewed sense of vitality. The group, comprised mostly of octogenarians, celebrated not only their friendship but the privilege of growing older together.
Among them were individuals who had overcome significant health challenges, including pancreatic cancer and a friend whose husband now resides in a memory care unit.
Despite these difficulties, each person found ways to maintain a balanced life. The author and friends laughed, played, and ate together, finding enjoyment in one another's company. This experience made aging seem less burdensome and more akin to an exciting adventure. Since their visit, the author has been contemplating what keeps them going as they slowly lose friends.
During a subsequent weekend walk on a nearby trail, friend Deb expressed her thoughts: "Death, being there, is not what I am scared of, but getting there is what I am afraid of." Her words have remained with the author.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- From here to there koreatimes.co.kr
