Twenty-Nine Years

 This past week, we spend a week in Corolla in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with a group of 18 friends in one large, wonderful house, right on the ocean, with a bonus view of the sound.  This is remarkable because it is our 29th year vacationing together.

Twenty-nine years ago, we were in our forties and fifties and spent our days playing tennis and riding bikes.  At night we would have skits, and talent shows.  We were so active.  Now, we are in our 70s and 80s and our only sporting event was putt-putt golf.  Evenings were quiet with movies, TV, and conversations.  But what hasn’t changed is the energy and the absolute delight of being together.

While I loved being here this year, it was difficult for me because my hearing is so bad--worse than last year.  When the gang was together and everyone talking, I couldn’t understand a thing.  It was embarrassing.  I could still have a one-on-one conversation if the room was quiet.  But that’s not good enough.

During the week, I wondered how many more years we can get together.  Four of the original couples were not here this year and I don’t know if they will return.  My guess is that we’ll continue to lose couples because of our ages and disabilities.

When Aloma and I returned home, we were exhausted.  Years ago it didn’t take days to recover from a vacation.

Thank you Bill and Pam for your organization and hard work.  Without you, these group vacations would never have happened.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com