"Bonus" Years come after you reach 60, no more after 70 . . .

It is not uncommon nowadays to hear that "so and so" passed away. Then everyone sighs, is it reallly "harvest time"? one says or is it because after many years of chemotherapy or many months of hospitalization, death is a welcome respite and passage to a life where there is no more sickness only eternal bliss with the Creator. Finally somebody shares a deep realization: What used to be "bonus years" after 70 now go down to after 60; death seems inevitable. . .

Blogs at Fifty was conceived with the hope that fifty seems to sound "wise" and "mature". Now an aspect is left out . . . "sounds near death, 11th hour" perspective. Ah, Blogs at fifty will try to be more exciting and thought provoking than this, we promise!

Just an after thought: we really die everyday, you know. Everytime we smile to someone who really dampens our day; when we forego our little pleasures so we can help a lost friend or acquaintance; when we console a lonely or sad person; when we try to become better, more just, more humane, more christian.

Parenting grown children these days

My little girl has become an independent professional, self-employed and doing very well as an entrepreneur. My three boys have made their marks in their chosen fields and are living away from home. Me? teaching and hoping to teach up to 2015 until such time when Migs Zubiri will author a bill that allows any teacher who has taught for more than 10 years whether private or public to apply for retirement when he/she reaches 60. Migs, where are you? Back to the issue at hand . . . how do you go on with your parenting role when all your children have grown?

In my case, I do so, by staying as their confidante or just a "listening ear" or travel companion. I do not impose my will anymore. Even to start a quarrel, I sense it won't work anymore. When they do not want to come home I do not insist. These days, I have accepted the inevitable- that they can live without me. Still I always pray for their safety. In fact when news about accidents happen in the city where they are, my heart skips a beat. I look up to God and plead for their safety. Parenting, for me, when the children are grown takes the form of "letting them go" yet entrusting them to God, the Father of us all.