A Wise Man's Advice

Several years ago, I befriened an elderly man at church that was a former college professor. He participated in the men to boys mentoring program at our church. He was a very "proper" gentleman and used very proper English.(he was an English prof.). He had lost 2 wives in his 80 years and lived in many different cities. We were having a conversation around the dinner table one Wed. night and he gave some "words of wisdom" that I will never forget. He told me that life is just "one big adjustment after another" and that "if you can learn to roll with them, you will be fine." HOW TRUE THAT IS!
In the next few weeks, my neighbor and good friend Ruth will be completely gone from the house they (she and Paul-now deceased) lived in for more than 20 years. Although there is a generation difference in our ages, they were the BEST neighbors anyone could have. I have been so close to them over the years. My kids grew up with Ruth and Paul..they never forgot a birthday or Christmas. The memories are endless. Last night, Lesi, their daughter came over for dinner. We spent hours remembering funny things about the last 20+ years. She will finish cleaning out all the family things, then the estate people will begin to come in and organize a sale.
It's time for a change. There's that word again, "change"...While I always knew in my heart that this day would come, it still stings my heart to think that that will not be their house anymore. The house needs updating..a fresh coat of paint, an cleaning..I must look toward the "fresh start" for that house. In some ways, I hope that the buyer is young, just like I was when Ruth and Paul bought that house. Maybe it's my turn to be the older generation (ouch!) and befriend a young couple or single ....I hope so...I look forward to who will live there...
So......it's time for a "change"..I can't change the wind, so I'll adjust my sails.....just like my elderly gentleman advised...Ruth and Paul have been woven into my life's tapestry. No matter who lives there...the memories will always be there..
Happy Sailing......