How life can change in the turn of a sixpence

Food for thought indeed.

Sobering thought *Kate!

And all within the space of a few months, too. Sobering thought.

So, so true Nankate
carpe diem

I so agree - one day I was a healthy slim mid-60 year old, full of life and busy - the next, after a fall, I am having to walk with a stick, have put on weight through immobility, and my life has totally changed. One small slip and there it went!

I am not majorly disabled or lacking in things to do - but my life changed in that moment.

I am always telling my DDs to relish every moment that they have - find the joy in everything and treasure their lives and health.

When I took retirement at 59 I thought that I would have time for all my friends and my lovely grandson . However our son and his partner went no contact and cut us off, three of my closest friends died of cancer, only one was older than me the others were younger. I lost a beloved sister in law and an older brother suddenly at 61 too, several other friends have died too and I am only 66.

All we read about people living longer sometimes seems like a cruel joke.

That happens so quickly Nankate we need to make the most of friends and family and our lives. Carpe Diem indeed.

True Nan life is a precarious affair.All we can do is appreciate what we have at the time.

I agree with you all. But for me it is hard to actually put it into practice, to change your mind set suddenly. I am trying to conserve the money we have, but maybe I should just enjoy some of it now.

I do quite often just "enjoy the moment". I've had a few perfect snapshot moments lately, just fun things I was doing with my uke group.

When I think of a family member with bad MS, I am grateful I can walk, even though more painfully than in earlier years. We just never know.

Or as vampires like to say, Carpe Jugulam

Oh don't "conserve" your money - get out there gal!!

In two weeks, I moved house , my elder daughter was rushed to hospital, I found out my three sisters and my nieces and newphews were in a private chat room talking about my daughter, I asked me nephew who had started the chat to please stop ,leave my daughter some dignity, he refused so I said ‘ just sod off’ . They did, not one of them has spoken to me for 18 months, and we live in the same town.

So true nankate in the last few years my three of my closest friends all my age (mid 60s) have lost their husbands unexpectedly (including the husband who 'came out' after 25 years of marriage and three children). So I try to do my best for DH, look after him and stop wondering why he isn't Rufus Sewell.

I don't need that warning as I'm continuously afraid of life and have to divert my attention elsewhere.

Such sad stories. Time to treasure what we have now as things can change so suddenly at the drop of a hat. My 36 year old son was struck down with GBS syndrome two years ago. He was lucky, as at least he can still walk, although his physical strength will never be the same. Some people never fully recover and are left with serious mobility and heart problems so we have to be grateful. Last year he got married and we were all so happy believing a corner had been turned. Alas this was not to be as his new wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of this year, less than a year before their first anniversary. Both are truly being tested so early in their relationship. Yes, we need to be grateful for all we have and I know my son and DIL have so much family love to give them strength. Sometimes life can seem so cruel but such goodness and kindness can also be found too in such situations. I feel so sad for anyone without that care, love and support.

Me too Alexa You are not on your own. Carpe diem is a great saying but not so easy for some. My childhood was a nightmare and I thought that when that was over I would feel great and would be happy. It wasn't and I'm not. We have had a lot of tragedy since then, as I'm sure many of you have. I do my best not to make everyone around me miserable. We have a nice life here but I am constantly waiting for the next bad thing. You can't change your nature and believe me I do try. Sorry for all your losses.

Life is very cruel. We learned last week that a neighbour died suddenly on a cruise for their Golden Wedding - he never even got to open the cards and presents. Another couple who lived up the street went on holiday and he also died aged just 52. And on Sat my cousin's husband died after a short illness - very fit active man younger than my cousin at 75. You don't know how long you have so really should make the most of it while you can.

Thanks Katy. However a lot of my pessimism is due to my present timidity , and slow learning as child. I had a happy enough childhood. When I was a young woman I was full of confidence in myself and everything else. Then I learned better. I hope I am still learning.I 'd rather be scared of life than not face up to reality .

Lots of moral support towards you from me, Katy.

Thank you Alexa . Life can be very difficult. It seems to me that you are making a good job of it. for you too.

We were married nearly fifty two years and then my husband contracted cancer and died. Nothing has ever been the same since and I miss the life we had as a couple. He never got to enjoy his retirement as he got ill, just before he gave up work.

Enjoy life when you can as you never know when your situation will change.

Gosh you are so right NanKate and everyone else on here. One minute you can be sailing along enjoying life then suddenly it jumps up to bite you and things can change for ever. It's not morbid to think about the transience of life, and I think helps me to come to terms with the fact that we humans are tiny insignificant dots in time and space and therefore to appreciate what I can on on a daily basis. I think realising this also helps me to put worries into perspective (sometimes) and to have a little more understanding and empathy towards others. There was a recent thread entitled 'is 70 the new 50', which was clearly meant in a lighthearted and positive way. Sadly although much healthier and living easier lives than before, our bodies still age and 70 is not the new 50, not for me it ain't!

KatyK,I urge you to go on to u tube,and read Dr Joe Dispenza’s .Motivational talks,He explains that we hang on to things that have happened to us in the past,and therefore,we assume that it makes us what we are? I’ve only just discovered him?please read,hope it helps.
Also anyone out there hanging on to past hurtful experiences, helped me a lot.Amazing Man.

Indeed. My DH developed heart failure at 49 after a major operation to remove a benign tumour and replace a disk in his spine that it had eaten away. He died just over two years later two years ago next September suddenly when he appeared relatively stable at 51.

Troubles don’t seem to come singly do they? In his fifties my DH went from being (seeming) fit and active to having a heart condition. His health seems to be more and more precarious so, yes, seize the day.