The only ones more idealistic than young people are the elders.

     I read an interesting article by Michael Meade, D.H.L., entitled "Where have All the Wise Men Gone?"  He stated that we live in a time of great forgetting, and compares "olders" to "elders".   Growing older happens to everyone. Growing wiser and becoming an elder only happens to those who continue to grow as they age, to find meaning and purpose in life and death.
     I especially liked this comment:  "An old idea suggests that the only ones more idealistic than young people are the elders."  It isn't that they have a naive belief in the attainability of humanity, peace and justice,  healing and compassion,  but knowing that without commitment to them, there is no hope to their attainment.  My hope is that I continue to grow as I age, to develop the long term vision he speaks of, and to live a life of compassion.
     The full article can be found at:
          http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-mead-dhl/older-vs-elders_b_954780.html

     Yesterday we volunteered at "The Festival of the Bastardino and Doggie Plunge"  which celebrates mixed heritage dogs and benefits Freedom Service Dogs.  Hundreds of dogs came to the Pirate's Cove water park in Englewood, CO to swim and play.  All came out looking wet, tired, and very, very happy.
      I got to visit with Jonas and his new family as he was one of the doggie plungers.  You may remember that we fostered Jonas for 6 weeks.  He looked so happy and is doing great.  He remembered me and got me good and wet.