As I was wandering on my favorite Oregon beach last week, two older women approached me to take their picture. They handed me a camera, and shared that they had been college roommates 50 years ago. They had nurtured their friendship, and kept their promise to meet at least once a year.
The women were both so expansive and alive as they laughed and teased each other. Their lined faces and gray hair told of their life experiences, but it was their vibrant nature that spoke of who they truly were.
As I watched them, I was sure life had had its way with them…joy, challenges, sorrow, love, and loss. But with all they had weathered, I could tell they trusted the process of life. They relished each day.
The women thanked me and then toasted each other with their water bottles, ‘To fifty more years!’
I knew they believed that many of their best years were still ahead of them.
Funny, I feel that way, too…
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)