Addendum

To be as clear as possible, and because it is important, I want to point out that the physical inconveniences I whined about in my previous post are just that. I'm talking about the discomforts—real or not-so-real—that come with the territory of middle age.

I am not talking about serious illness. I have friends who are confronting and fighting and managing very real health threats right now. And they are living with grace and energy and strength and hope. They inspire me and remind me to embrace life and everything that I can do in it. They are amazing!