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Linda Brown's avatar

I've gotten the same sensation of being unseen and that I don't feel a part of things anymore. After having watched older people for years and now that I am over 65, I understand. Perhaps it has to do with our culture that often disregards old age, or more likely it is simply natural that as we get ready to leave this world, we begin to separate from it first in our minds in preparation for our leave-taking.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I think you have described it perfectly here, Linda. A natural "pulling back". Thank you for your comment.

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Kate Henry's avatar

We keep the important parts and let go of the distractions. They tug at us for a while, but the quiet and peace win every time. Its what we've worked for, and now its here )))))))

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Exactly so. It is not a sad thing, this pulling in. It just marks a passage into a new season. Thank you, Kate.

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Wade Terry's avatar

You and your words are anything but unseen. I love your creativity and the enchanting way you craft.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

And I love it that you come back every week to see what's up at 🌿Leaves, Wade . I see YOU from my window. I love watching you wash and polish your new car. It is a dusty world...

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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

Absolutely! You and your writings are "anything but unseen"!

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James Ron's avatar

I'm reminded of Brian Wilson's "In My Room." It takes a long time to bring our world into one room. It is comforting. Our desires are simple and at hand. I hope your room is a joyous place and that you get out in this perfect world for some sunshine very day.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

There, you have it, James Ron. The world gets smaller and smaller as we age. Maybe it makes it easier to say good bye? BTW - the rain as finally abated here on the coast. So, yes! A sun-shiny day.

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

15 or so minutes sunshine. All to my self out side my rented room . I close eyes a few moments to see inside and and when open the light shines, bird songs and orange trees blossoms fill life for a moment. Glad to have that moment when I read Leaves.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Awwww. How sweet you are. Thank you.

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T. D. Wolf's avatar

One perfect life and one perfect planet. A beautiful thought, Sharron.

Every morning, Mrs. Wolf and I like to watch the news as we head out the door and try to guess the age of the various celebrity birthdays they announce. It’s quite unsettling sometimes. They’ll mention a star I always picture in their 20s who’s now my age and I wonder what the hell happened to the time?

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I understand, John. I ask that question every time I see my face in the bathroom mirror. "Good Lord! What happened to me?"

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Karen Kenworthy's avatar

Oh Sharron I had started a poem on a similar theme yesterday:

I don’t think anyone young can

know

the tears that come

with older age

For loved ones

who are

no longer here

All the

Awarenesses you cannot have…

when young

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Right you are, Karen. My little "Window" probably has no appeal to the younger generation. We miss those who have left before us, that is for sure, but I do not mourn losing the world at large. This older life can be so much easier. You know, except for the creaky bones part.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

A serene reflection, Sharron. It's nice to read along with your earnest and honest voiceover. You would be perfect at recording for e-books.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

You think? Hey, that could be a source of income. Never thought of it!

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Karen Kenworthy's avatar

Oh I love your voice too!!! It’s so lilting and honest with a slight gorgeous accent, it will draw people in even if you’re just reading the phone book!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Whoa! Thanks so much Karen. You are so sweet to say that.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Totally serious. You have a lovely voice and your enunciation is precise. Many years ago, my aunt recorded books on tape for the blind on a volunteer basis. She just turned 100 by the way.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Wow! Great story. I am encouraged. She must be quite a gal!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

All I want is a room somewhere/ far away from the cold night air/ with one enormous chair/ oh, wouldn't it be loverly?

Oh wait! I've already got that. Isn't it loverly. And so is your beautiful windowed room with your music, writing, and memories. The best time in life.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Agreed, my friend! Thank you.

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Alois Ackerman's avatar

Exactly. This is the best of all possible worlds

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Hello Al! Yes. We require very little to be content these days. Thanks for getting in touch.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Such is the way of things. We fade as we age. And we pull away from this world. I find myself caring less and less about the things the world finds so absorbing. I have had a good life and more blessings than tragedies. I have people who love me. I have creative hobbies I still love. I am ready to slow down and focus on the things and people I love. The world will keep doing its thing with or without me. I am fine with that.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Mark, for these thoughtful comments. Toward the end of days, I find it all seems to come down to family, the tribe I was a part of and loved and was loved by. And if one doesn't have a tribe, one must be constructed.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Well-lived life and still savoring - that's all good.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Quiet, simple pleasures! Happiness is not found in things, that is one thing I know for sure.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

. . . and sometimes, it's just the right attitude that makes aging "work".

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Janice Walton's avatar

I notice, as well, that I am out of the mainstream - and for the most part it's fine. I am happy in my little apartment, with my two cats, my computer and my memories.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Those cats help, don't they? They give as much back as they take. I wonder if theyfeel the reciprocity.

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Janice Walton's avatar

I hope so.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

Same feeling here😞. I tried to remember how I treated old people in my youth. With compassion I think. But nowadays, I feel that young people lack patience.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well, yes, Yael. Thank you for this comment. Generally speaking, I guess they just have to get back to the all important things happening on their phones, counting likes, taking selfies, etc, and just have little time for real interaction. Especially with their elders. ( Does that sound cynical? Yeah. Big time.)

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Amie McGraham's avatar

I am approaching a big birthday, one that feels monumental to me and not in the best way and so I truly felt every word of this, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well, darn it...congratulations on making it this far! It is a privilege, considering all those who do not. And just remember, Amie, she who has the most birthdays lives the longest! jHappy birthday!

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Clancy Steadwell's avatar

This is beautiful, I hope to someday have this outlook on life.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you Clancy! Lots of time for that.

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