As life events happen, we find ourselves going to family and friends’ birthday, anniversary, retirement parties, and such. While attending these events, do you ever think to yourself “Wow, where did the time go”?
When you have one of the moments, who was with you, what was the event, where were you? These memories are what make You…. you!
I recently attended an anniversary party of some dear friends in Los Angeles who have been married for 30 years. I was their Best Man and my wife was the Maid of Honor at their wedding. When we received the invitation to the party, I could remember their wedding distinctly, as they were married in Hawaii on a beach in a small chapel with stained-glass windows. It was a beautiful day, and we stood there in our tuxedos with our ladies in beautiful gowns. I was struck by my memories of small details, such as the Hawaiian flower lies in the women’s hair and how wonderful the air smelled. Our daughter was 5 at the time and in her flower girl dress, was excited about being on the beach, and the memory of how she was fascinated by the Hawaiian Priest in his flowing white robe and long hair. All these memories flashed by as I greeted friends at the event in present time. As I stood there getting ready to raise a glass of champagne for a toast to the happy couple, I distinctly had a conscious thought of…. where did the time go?
What better way to measure time is when it comes to children. Either your own child, or a niece, nephew, or neighbor. We see them born and watch the magic of time as they grow older right before our eyes. “What do you mean they want to get their driving learner’s permit”? “A boy wants to take you to the Junior/Senior Prom”? “You want to borrow the car”? All of a sudden, we think …. where did the time go? They can’t be this old!
I distinctly remember reading Jules Vern’s “Time Machine” at an early age. It filled my young head with ideas of time travel. What the surprising revelation for me was the thought of not only going back in time but also going forward. I remember sitting in class in my senior year of high school thinking, what will my life be like at age 50 in the year 2005? Wondering if we would have rocket cars, ray guns, and space travel. Would I have kids, where would I be living, and who would I be married too? Would I be married? Lots to ponder at age 17.
As I meet with folks who are nearing retirement and we are assisting them with their selection of Medicare plans, retirement financial planning, Powers of Attorney for financial and health, etc., many times we hear clients utter this same phrase ….