Roy’s Sunday Thoughts for June 21, 2026
This Sunday, I would like to share a recent growth period of my life in Ft. Worth. My thoughts of myself as a responsive, proven leader no longer supported my need for a place and life purpose. What I knew about restoring and renewing failed to restore or renew.
It was not until I emptied out and let go of the ways I had defined myself for decades that I became comfortable with the different gifts, energy, sense of place and purpose of my now elder self. I remain a supportive friend and resource, but without the need to be useful in my old arenas. Memories of past events and individuals are respected and treasured without my need to live there.
A second elder challenge was my loss of confidence in my physical condition. I had fallen several times, one resulting in an ER visit and stitches. I have started paying attention to print and media messaging about medical conditions and nutritional changes for elders. I have even enjoyed an elder speaking to what they got right, got wrong in life as an elder.
Whether at the gym or at home, I now have an exercise practice of heel, knee, and leg lifts, beginning with head and shoulder turns. I use the kitchen counter for leg swings, squats, and one leg stands. Two of the messages I have adopted are: 1) Keep Moving and 2) Go Outside among the birds and dog walkers.
Along with a life purpose and the physical, I have increased my daily protein, added mushrooms, beets, and sweet potatoes to the market cart, faithfully take medications and look forward to an upcoming primary physician scheduled review of all of these personal areas.
Whether young and first job, mid-life with family, or now a senior and a different calendar, life changes continue for us all. I encourage you to communicate within your family and social circle. Continue to dream, live with hope and purpose, celebrate knowing you belong and you add to those who care for you as you are for them.
Roy, along with Beth finding our way
We are all finding our way. I spent time last weekend with my three grandchildren as they packed up what they wanted from my house that I wasn’t going to use. Their prospective of life is so different than mine. They are looking into the future while embracing the past. They have wonderful memories of staying with Pop and Mimi and my thought is they will treasure the items they took. I thought it would be difficult to let go of these items but instead of sad I felt relived, and was grateful they wanted a piece of our lives. They are just beginning and I am much closer to the end. But, I am not through yet. I am adjusting daily, exercising a little more, my least favorite thing to do, and enjoying this time in my life.
Maurine, I don’t know if it was a happy typo or an intentional use of an unexpected word. But when I read “relived” in the phrase, “instead of sad I felt relived” I thought, “BRILLIANT!” How wonderful to feel life can be relived through our family and friends!
You are indeed finding your way and a little lighter thanks to grandkids.
Good see Ron’s note to you as well
We do so together
Roy, this post may be one of your best yet. I pray your physical strength grows and your circle of influence expands!
Beth has pushed to the personal writing….hard to do, will keep at it. Thanks for encouragement
H
Roy, thank you for sharing your vulnerability and true to your nature you have always reinvented yourself over the years. I have experienced doors closing and new ones opening in your life all with integrity, grace and maybe a little grumbling (not much). As you wanted Fort Worth to be a continuation of your wonderful experiences in your career as a leader and mentor, I believe you have found another softer, heartfelt person who uses your wisdom to help friends and me me. You have crossed the bridge to the heart of your writing skills because your like experiences enrich your work with meaning!
I love you and appreciate the man you are and are becoming!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️
That is no “finding” without your presence. caring, and support
Gratitude for catching my stumbles……..
Roy,
I love “Keep Moving” and your plans of incorporating other activities. You and Beth inspire me with words of wisdom and grace to not remain in the past of what I use to do or be, but embrace the challenge now of “Becoming”. Thanks for being my friend.
Billie,,,,Get up, go outside, and Keep vMoving. Our heart MD told me that…..we do so together….Roy
What I read in today’s Sunday Thoughts, Roy, is wisdom. I have no doubt that, every single day, you and Beth both do something to change someone else’s world for the better. To make a difference by a gesture or kind words or offers of assistance. Thank you. And, Maurine, you’re doing the same with mementos for your family. You are all wonderful.
I remember someone saying had performed so well there was a promotion to NY City.
He did his best to be and do the same in this new, different, larger city.
He said it was like took down the front wall in racquet ball.
The ball just rolled down the street.
He adapted, shifted, built a new wall…..
Tis not easy this elder work……But who we are what we do.
Your experience?????
I agree with many other comments: one of your best out of many great ones. Emptying oneself of old, tired justifications for one’s existence really rang true for me and definitely got my attention. It’s an ongoing process and asks for constant attention, but that it deserves. And continuing to play a creative and positive part within one’s own circle of family and friends is certainly where it’s at and justification enough. Thanks, Roy. Love and Blessings
Yes, to serve past positions no longer fulfills the me of NOW.
To face life’s mirror not easy
Truth is truth.
I am finding quieter words and images these days.
Doing my best to be me….
I wonder that our shedding of the known is like the falling of the leaves in Autumn that makes way for the buds and blooms of Spring. Keep growing the beautiful tree that you are, spread your limbs and remain the grateful recipient of the sun and moon and stars and water. Sure do love you.
I will blood in my little part of earth’s gareden…..thank you for your watering….
Powerful words and thoughts, Roy. Getting old is a process that is different for everyone, and your attempt to aid in that process has been remarkably successful. At our age, it sounds selfish to “take care of oneself first”, but that seems to be where it ends up. Others success or failure just doesn’t/shouldn’t impact where we are as an elder. You have gone well above that level in your helpful words to help us all get to that end. I can’t thank you enough. On Father’s Day I had a conversation with my son that should have happened about 20 years ago. We are both committed to continuing our conversation and growing to a new/higher level of understanding one another. And I have been very lucky to find a companion after losing Cheryl. We still struggle to figure out exactly how that relationship expresses itself, publicly or not. The challenge is exciting. Having Beth by your side is a blessing that cannot be understated. I hope my summer plans can include a trip to Fort Worth to do some sitting, porch or bench, and breaking break together.
Take care and stay strong my brother,
Frank
Meaningful Connections important between we two and also father/son.
The struggle for balance with others ongoing.
We have stories to share and will do so…….