This is an OK prompt for a younger person, but for people pushing 60, ten more years is not a given. I hope to be alive and in good health in 2034. I hope the United States is still a functioning democracy.

By the time you make it to my age, you’ve lost people too soon (and by “too soon,” I mean younger than 80), primarily to cancer, but also to other diseases, accidents, and the so-called “deaths of despair” — addiction or suicide. Memories flood up. People share their stories. Those who remain must carry on. You help as best you can.

Betsy – kind

Merry – promising

Chuck – passionate

Ben – pillar

Carolyn – family

Richard – leader

Paul – engaging

Carla – love

Doug – fun

Jerry – brilliant

Carole – fierce

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Pay attention to the journey