On Inviting Seniors to the Dance of Life

A friend of mine is a sturdy guy who gives an appearance of invulnerability. His crooked nose, scarred bald head and well-muscled mesomorphic body tell others quickly that he has had a few scrapes with "real life" and though his head is slightly bloody, it's unbowed. His earthy phrasing and sparkling eyes make it clear he's still strong at 62 years of age.My buddy was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corp. He twice coached the state football champions and for ten years handled a major school system's toughest discipline problems.  I figured my good friend would be happy when retirement arrived and while we celebrated the occasion over lunch we laughed long and hard reliving some of his encounters. At the close of the "victory party" I commented, "You must be glad to be free from all that crap." His answer surprised me. He said, "I'm scared as hell. I don't know what I'm going to do. Oh, I'll stay busy, but I picture myself sitting in shopping malls with some other old codgers while we watch people stroll through." I looked in his courageous eyes and saw his tears that underscored the deep fear this tough old combat veteran felt.