It wasn’t until today that I realized I was proud of my mom for at least one thing. She received her GED when she was quite old, and she didn’t do it to achieve a better career. The Brinkley School District employed her in environmental services. She is yet another person who proves that readers have an advantage over those who don’t.

She died younger than she needed to. Along those lines, I’ll pull out one of my favorite jokes and mention that after I told her congratulations for the GED, I asked her if she got angry when the photographer told her she couldn’t smoke while having the picture taken. If you’ve ever seen an industrial smokestack, you can join me in appreciating that she was a Chuck-Norris-level expert when smoking and cursing were involved, often simultaneously. Legend has it that she may have been a consultant to the dad on “A Christmas Story” to prepare for his role.

My sister Marsha, who is almost 60, posted about a newfound interest in perhaps taking some college courses. Those of you who know me know what I told her. In her post, someone I don’t know wrote, “Don’t waste your money.” That floored me. It’s the opposite of love or encouragement. Marsha had a tough life, hobbled by bad choices. But she finally gained sobriety, something that I was convinced was out of reach for her. I’m not proud to say that, but it’s best to water the garden of stories with truth and respect. Many in my family not only embrace addiction but make it their sole dance partner. Recently, Marsha talked about wanting to see the ocean. I couldn’t help but comment on her adult wish to fly, a wish she was granted when she started her journey into sobriety. Maybe she didn’t know it then because failure paints with a bitter brush and often washes away our ability even to try to stand up again.

Education is seldom wasted. Nor is self-discovery. Age does not magically wipe away the joy of discovering new things – especially about oneself. A person who expands their mind ignores the calendar. It’s more important than ever in our morphing world.

If someone expresses an interest in learning or discovery, no matter their age, it should be obvious that it is our job to enthusiastically encourage them at every opportunity.

Love, X

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