”La Troisieme Age”

Beautiful summer day in the Arkansas mountains



A little Arkansas humor. 

 While waiting for my physician’s appointment, I impatiently thumbed through stacks of magazines. I was delighted to find a new publication, “Life Goes On”. It is the brainchild of two sisters who have long thought that women want to read informative stories about older women who are doing interesting things.*


One of the articles was on positive aging. The writer makes reference to a French term describing the years after 50. They call it “La Troisieme Age,” meaning “the Third Age.” The writer further describes our life’s journey in three ages. The first age is childhood, the second age is the responsibility of adulthood’ working, raising families and such. La Troisieme Age is the time to concentrate on YOU! I love, love, love it!

Even though I love the sweet life I have, the transition from caretaker to taking care is not always easy. There are those moments when the house is too still. I miss the days my house was filled with noise and chaos of active children. I look out my window and see an empty playhouse and remember…...

But, my job is done. My children have left the nest to feather their own. Their houses are filled with the sounds of beautiful grandchildren. They are strong and self sufficient.


In this third age, we are blessed to be grandparents. Our greatest joy is the rush of grandchildren to greet us. We would love to see the kids and grandkids every day. Instead we will have to be content to make the best of our times together. There is a benefit to being the “fun grandparents” who visit and just play.



Antique in an antique?



There is also much freedom in this third age. On the spur of the moment, we took off to the mountains last weekend. That would not have been possible in the other ages. Other person’s schedules and wishes would need considering.



We thought this was funny...police officer; not so much!



As I have said before, the great thing about Arkansas is its natural beauty. We attended an antique car show on the way. It is one of Dan’s loves. Perhaps that should be filed under birds of a feather: antiques love antiques.



We can be silly. We can be serious. We can be spontaneous. We can pursue all the dreams we dreamt in the first ages. Maybe even more importantly, we can make this world a better place by helping others.



Whatever age we are in, we hope to make it the best one yet!



To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1



                                                                                        
                                                                                        *Editor Marcy Gouge
                                                                                         “Life Goes On”