Aging My Way
Some asshole writer commenting on William Shatner, in the NY Times no less, implied he wasn’t a fantastic actor and hadn’t lived an incredible life. The comment had me screaming.
While I might agree Shatner’s acting might not be Oscar worthy, his role as Captain Kirk helped launch Star Trek’s incredible popularity, and as for leading an incredible life, how many of us can say we’ve flown in space.
Besides, I believe that each and every one of us lead incredible lives, ones that no one else can duplicate. I know I have. While I may not have had as many incredible things happen to me as Shatner – aftercall I’m only 83 and he’s 91 – I’m still enough.
Even if people have the same experiences, no one reacts, comprehends, thinks, or responds exactly the same. Each of us is valuable in our own way. But that nitwit writer judged Shatner, I suspect because of his fame, against some higher standard.
The writer’s words certainly weren’t kind – or necessary, and in my mind represent the bullying that we’re trying to stem among our youth.
Still, since I’m not a Trekkie, you may be wondering, why the words of that nincompoop had me screaming, I’m kind of wondering about my reaction as well.
Screaming at something I read is not common, but then again, it’s not rare either. But this reaction was pretty strong.
Maybe it was my growing awareness, now having time to reflect on life, that each of us, in our own way, is incredibly enough for this world. Or maybe it’s because I have a grandson who qualifies for that Trekkie moniker, and I was screaming for him. .
Or maybe it was just one old person taking up for another old person.
Pat Bean is a retired award-winning journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion, Scamp. She is an avid reader, an enthusiastic birder, the author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited), is always searching for life’s silver lining, and these days aging her way – and that’s usually not gracefully.
Pat Bean's blog 
Well said Pat.
Thanks Andrew
Pat, screaming for you is about the same as breathing, but in this case I agree.
I”m concerned for a real anti-aging thing I am seeing more of lately — willingness to cut programs that make it possible for old people to eat, for example. I suppose old folk are just supposed to work longer or save more but many can’t work longer and, until recently, wages were kept so low saving was nearly impossible for many.
Now we’re told that people aging is a national crisis when, if we were really the kind society we claim to be, we’d simply shift resources to care for the elderly instead of whining how much it will cost.
Kudos to this! In the USA, I’m pretty sure we can reduce spending on other things ..arhm, like military spending (contracts, weapons, etc) to support programs for the aged, as well as for the education of our youth. It makes me crazy to look at our federal budget.
I’m hating how much advice loved ones want to give me these days. I’m just a stubborn old broad who wants to do it my way. More stubborn, if you can believe it, then I was when I was a young broad. You probably remember those days. Hugs, Charlie.
Well said. I like the painting also.
Thanks Byunga. Have a good weekend.
You are welcome, Pat. Good weekend to you too.