BY JOELLEN COLLINS
During the past few months I have experienced some totally unexpected events, relationships, and areas of considerable growth. I acknowledge that I could be more impersonal in my choice of topics, especially with so many of the negative forces in our chaotic world. However, because of the generosity of this paper and of my readers, I can occasionally comment on some unexpected personal revelations due to the significant changes I have made in my locale, living accommodations, and areas of friendship since my move from my beloved Idaho after over forty years to a senior residence in California.
Last year I sent a few New Year’s messages to friends, including a copy of the following work by a man named Neil Gaiman: “May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you will surprise yourself.”
Recently, I found an unmailed card, I and was struck by how fully I could see how that beautiful wish had somehow been fulfilled in my life in 2025. Indeed, it seems a miracle that I, a “senior” woman spending time in the final chapter of her own book of life, has been blessed by a totally unimagined series of events reflecting those hopes. I have always tried to be positive and optimistic but never would have thought that this new “great adventure” of existence would provide such love and beauty in an unfamiliar place and manner of living.
Without spelling out the personal details of my magic, I have, through loving and compassionate friends, been hit with a kind of good madness, priceless in its unexpected sweetness and support, things most “elderly people” imagine as only in the past. Someone even thinks I’m wonderful — wowie! I have also been nourishing my curiosity through exchanges with many fascinating, wise, and perspective people. I have read wonderful books and been able to continue my inborn English teacher’s passion for the written word and discussion of good reads with fellow residents. I have found more joy in the time I spend with my doggy; I now relish more than ever writing new poetry and fiction and creating small art projects; I sing in a choir and, most dramatically, have stopped apologizing for myself, a lifelong habit finally flying away. I feel content, even with myself,,, a true miracle.
I share this because I have, indeed, surprised myself by having fully realized that worrying and being negative about the future is wasting precious time. Certainly, we know that there may be sadness or tragedy ahead, but current experiences are our only reality. However, I am someone who has found that the future might be more wonderful for us than we think possible. I’ve just fully discovered that, after many decades of life. After this year, I am living a dream for any age.
