I have always enjoyed spending time with people older than I.  When I was a kid, I enjoyed visiting my grandparents.  I loved hearing them tell stories of when they were younger people… what they did… where they had been. 

I like the term “oldster” to define people significantly older than me.  “Old person” is not an attractive label.  I use the term “youngster”, so why not “oldster”?

My paternal grandfather, although I only knew him as a “country boy” having been raised on a farm, worked in New York City as a young man.  I learned he was good at climbing trees and worked as an arborist for a time.  He loved riding horses.  He was skilled at caring for roses and could make them climb and bloom.  My paternal grandmother was the child of a minister.  She and her siblings moved to various communities depending on where her father was assigned a congregation.  She loved to travel… and during her life visited Japan, and climbed Mount Fuji, among many other destinations.

My maternal grandfather came from the Ukraine when he was a young man, and joined the Army.  While enlisted, his name was changed from a Ukrainian name to an English name so it could be spelled and spoken.  He was an electrician.  My maternal grandmother came on a ship from Poland when she was 3 years old.  She went to school when she was 5, with other immigrant children; all only able to speak their home language…the teacher only spoke English.  She loved to cook and bake.  Together, they loved to garden.  They made wine, and during prohibition, had a small distillery to make extra money to support their family.

My grandparents have been gone for many years now.  I miss them dearly.  I have had the privilege of knowing some of their siblings as well.  Obviously, people who have lived life the longest have had the most experience.  It is interesting to me to learn what they did along the way. 

It is amazing what you learn about people when you take time to listen.

I look at my life and realize I am a blend of many people who have been a part of it.  I have grown from the experiences of others, adding layers to who I am.  My friends have contributed to this, as have my oldsters.  I share bits and pieces of their interests and hobbies.  Despite our span of ages, we have often times walked along parallel paths. 

My daily routines are comforting and necessary.  They keep the world around me balanced.  Home is a place where I am rooted.  It is the place where I am safe.

New experiences add color and flavor to my world.  My desire to see new places, to learn new things, try new food, meet new people… these are all things that add depth to my life.

I look forward to becoming an oldster.  Well, an older oldster than I already am!

Until then, I will continue to live life, not just “be” in it.  I will take the path less traveled, even if it takes a bit longer.   I will step outside the lines.

I hope the youngsters might enjoy stopping by now and again. 

I will have stories to tell!