*✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 400—We Are All Getting Older
This blog is shorter and happier!
Read every word — things have changed.
Always Keep Getting Better than Yesterday!
Read This Entire Blog; It’s Good for Your Brain.
The full blog is here — https://kitsummers.com/blog/
This Blog is Best Read on a laptop rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS—World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Learn More About Kit >> https://youtu.be/eQBnUJgTXts?si=1Qik7VdzscvHsfpS
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ONCE UPON A LIFE… ✨
Once upon a time, I made gravity nervous!
Seven clubs soaring through the air.
A world record. A dream came true.
Apparently, even gravity has its limits!
And Kit? He was just getting started! 🤹♂️
Then came the truck. The crash. The coma.
Thirty-seven silent days when the show stopped.
The applause faded, and life hung in the balance.
But my story wasn’t finished. Not even close! 🚒
I returned—not as the man I once was,
but as someone determined to become even more.
I learned to walk, talk, dream, and believe again.
This time, I wasn’t just juggling clubs.
I was juggling courage, hope, determination, and LIFE!🪸
Today, my greatest performance wasn’t on a stage.
It’s helping others discover the strength within themselves.
Helping you become what you’re meant to be.
Applause fades, but changing a life can last forever. 👏
Writing has become my way of breathing,
of reaching hearts I may never meet.
And if my words help you smile, find courage,
or believe in yourself just a little more,
then I’ve accomplished something greater
than catching seven clubs in the air. ❤️
SO, WHAT COMES NEXT IN KIT’S STORY?
Back to juggling? Back to the stage?
Another adventure? Another unexpected miracle?
Perhaps the greatest chapter is still waiting to be written!
Stay with me, my friend. The journey is far from over,
and I still have a few surprises up my sleeve!
Because life isn’t about getting back to who you were.
It’s about discovering who you can STILL BECOME!
LIFE CAN GET BETTER.
LIFE WILL GET BETTER.
AND THE BEST PART?
WE’RE NOT FINISHED YET! 🌟
My new address is:>>
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL 33647
(A love letter would be dandy.) kitsummers@gmail.com
kitsummers.com https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Call me >> 610-400-3233
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NONE OF US WILL LIVE FOREVER—SO MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!
EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY—A CHANCE TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE.
DON’T LIVE IN THE PAST OR WAIT FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW IS THE ONLY MOMENT YOU HOLD!
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MOMENT.
I FEEL THIS IS MY BEST BLOG YET!
A quick directory >>
Part 1—The Beginnings — Obvious.
Part 2—Things that Happened This Week.
Part 3—THE BLOG.
Part 4—Inspirational Quotes.
Part 5—Your Challenge.
Part 6—Blog for Next Week.
Part 7—Final Thoughts — Obvious.
ALWAYS REMEMBER >>
When your life nears its end,
What will you want to remember?
The dreams you chased? The people you loved?
I’m still planning to live beyond age 100; will you join me?
Remember the moments when you chose courage over comfort?
READ PAST BLOGS HERE —
kitsummers.com/blog
If even one sentence in this blog inspires
you to make a positive change, face a challenge with greater
courage, or appreciate the wonderful life already dancing
around you, then every hour at the keyboard has been worthwhile.
AND, EVERY DAY >>
- Feel the sunshine.
- Enjoy a good meal.
- Speak more kindly.
- Care for your body.
- Learn something new.
- Make the right choices.
- Laugh whenever possible.
- Improve one little thing today.
- Treasure a friendly conversation.
- Then improve another tomorrow.
- Keep going, and those tiny steps may grow.
- Spend time with people who lift your spirits.
- And become something absolutely phenomenal!
- Keep moving toward the person you want to become.
- Celebrate every bit of progress—even when it arrives late.
====================
PART 1: THE BEGINNINGS
Keep smiling. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself.
YES—YOU’RE GETTING THERE!
In my last blog, I wrote about family and relationships, but somehow I left out an important part of my life—Robin! How could I forget? We met shortly after my accident and spent about a year corresponding through letters. Eventually, we married, but things didn’t work out as we had hoped. Within a year, Robin left, pregnant with our daughter, Leah. Today, Leah has two sons of her own, making me a proud grandfather! 
I can hardly believe I left out such an important chapter of my life. A big THANK YOU to my sister, Willow, for reminding me! Sometimes, even the person writing the story needs a little help remembering all the chapters!
FAMILY–GARY, MIKE, MOM, KATH, KIT
ALL BUT KATH AND I ARE DEAD
THE PEOPLE WHO SHAPED MY LIFE >>
In 2014, my mom passed away at the age of 82. Losing her was one of the most heartbreaking experiences of my life. She was there for my greatest triumphs, deepest struggles, and countless adventures. Suddenly, I could no longer pick up the phone, hear her voice, or share my latest discoveries. Her absence left an emptiness that words cannot fully describe.
Mom had an extraordinary mind and an endless curiosity about life. She loved reading, questioning, learning, and discovering new things. I admired her intelligence and her determination to keep growing. Today, whenever I write, explore a new idea, or question something others simply accept, I recognize a little of my mother in myself.
Death may have taken my mother from this world, but it could never take away the curiosity she inspired, the wisdom she shared, or the love she planted deep within my heart. Her influence lives on in who I have become, the lessons I keep learning, and the stories I share. Every word I write carries a little piece of her into the future. And in that beautiful way, a part of my mother will always live on.
Yet Mom’s life was far from easy. She endured tragedies that would have broken many people. My father died when I was six, my terrible accident left me in a coma for 37 days, and both my brothers, Mike and Gary, died far too young. Through it all, Mom somehow found the strength to continue.
But she struggled, too. At times, she turned to vodka to escape her pain. She stopped drinking for a while, but eventually returned to the bottle. I loved my mother deeply, imperfections and all. Her struggles were part of her story, but they never erased her intelligence, strength, or love.
My older brother, Mike, was traveling by bus from San Diego to Oregon when he unexpectedly got off and began hitchhiking. Somewhere along the way, he was struck by a vehicle and killed. Drugs and alcohol had also affected his life. His death left another painful emptiness in our family.
THERE’S KATH, MIKE, KIT, MARY ELLEN, AND MOM
Years later, tragedy struck our family once again. My younger brother, Gary, and my nephew Josh had been drinking beer and wine while driving a truck off-road through the rugged hills of Eastern Oregon. Somewhere along the way, the truck overturned, tragically killing them both. In an instant, two precious lives were gone, leaving our family to face another heartbreaking loss.
My brother’s dreams, their plans, and all the years they should have had were suddenly taken away. All that remained were treasured memories, unanswered questions, and the painful realization that we would never know what their futures might have held.
BUT OUR FAMILY’S EXPERIENCE WITH DEATH BEGAN MUCH EARLIER. 
When I was six, my father, who worked for the Oregon Fish Commission, died when his helicopter struck high-voltage electrical wires and crashed. I was too young to understand death, but old enough to feel the emptiness it left behind.
My mother lost far more than the man she loved. She lost the future they had dreamed of sharing, the years they would never spend together, and the countless little moments that make a marriage and a family complete.
Suddenly, the man who had been beside her was gone forever. I can only imagine the loneliness of waking each morning to his absence, the silence where his voice once filled the room, and the heartbreak of knowing he would never walk through our door again.
Yet, despite her shattered dreams and overwhelming grief, my mother still had children to raise, responsibilities to shoulder, and a family that depended on her. I often wonder how many tears she shed when no one was watching, how many sleepless nights she spent longing for the life she had lost, and how often she wished she could turn back time. Her heart was broken, but life gave her little opportunity to stop and grieve.
Somehow, she found the courage to rise each morning, set her sorrow aside, and face another day. Meals to prepare, children to comfort, and countless responsibilities that couldn’t wait for her heart to heal. As a child, I never fully understood the pain she carried or the sacrifices she made to keep our family together. While her world fell apart, she somehow found the strength and love to keep ours from falling apart, too.
As a young boy, I couldn’t begin to comprehend the overwhelming weight of my mother’s grief. To me, she was simply Mom, always there, somehow finding the strength to hold our family together when her own world had fallen apart. I never fully understood the tears she must have shed in private, the lonely nights she endured, or the dreams she had to leave behind. While I was trying to understand the loss of my father, she was struggling to face an entirely different future without the man she loved.
Only now, after experiencing my own share of love, loss, and heartbreak, can I begin to appreciate the extraordinary courage it took for her to carry on. She didn’t have the luxury of surrendering to her sorrow. She had children to raise, responsibilities to meet, and a family that needed her love and guidance.
My mother didn’t just lose her husband that day. She lost the future they had dreamed of sharing, yet somehow found the strength to build a new one for us. That is a remarkable kind of love and courage I understand, appreciate, and admire more deeply with every passing year.
Sometimes I wonder how different my life might have been if Dad had survived.
Would I have become an entertainer?
Discovered juggling?
Traveled the world?
Would my two wonderful daughters have been born?
ONE UNEXPECTED EVENT CAN CHANGE
THE ENTIRE DIRECTION OF LIVES.
WE CANNOT REWRITE THE PAST,
BUT WE CAN DECIDE WHAT TO DO
WITH THE LIFE THAT IS STILL AHEAD OF US.
Interestingly, my birth name is Virgil Carson Summers, Jr., named after my father, whom everyone called Butch. I’ve always been known as Kit, but I recently learned something wonderful from my sister. My nickname came from my great-grandfather, Christopher Carson, who was also called Kit.
After 67 years, I finally uncovered another fascinating piece of my family’s history! My father gave me his name, but life gave me the freedom to discover who I was, forge my own path, and become the man known as Kit Summers. And now you know.
My name connects me to my past, but the life I’ve lived, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the choices I’ve made have shaped who I am today. I inherited my name, but I created my own story—and it’s still being written!
Today, Mom and my brothers are gone. My two half-sisters, Kath and Sandy, and I remain to carry our family’s story forward. Kath and I share the same mother, while Sandy and I share the same father. Our family tree has some unusual branches, but love and shared memories matter far more than how those branches are arranged.
Our family continues to grow, with each new generation adding another chapter to our story. My half-sister Kath never had children, while my other half-sister, Sandy, and her husband, Tommy, have two sons, Wally and Russell. That makes Wally and Russell my nephews. Now Russell and his wife have a child of their own, making Sandy and Tommy grandparents and me a proud great-uncle!
Although our family has experienced heartbreaking losses over the years, it is wonderful to see new life bringing fresh beginnings. Our family tree keeps growing, with new branches reaching toward the future. Each generation brings new adventures, new memories, and new possibilities. The people may change, but our family story continues!
Losing so many people I have loved has taught me one of life’s most valuable lessons: Life is precious, unpredictable, and never guaranteed. We cannot change yesterday, and tomorrow may never come. What we do have is TODAY—another opportunity to love deeply, laugh freely, create beautiful memories, and make every moment count. Don’t just exist—LIVE!
I cannot bring back my parents, brothers, or nephew. But I can honor their lives by making the most of my own story. Their stories are part of mine, and every new adventure gives me another opportunity to carry their memories forward.
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. But TODAY is yours!
Make it count. Make it meaningful. Make someone smile.
And whatever challenges life throws your way, keep moving forward!
After all, my story isn’t finished. Adventures remain, people to inspire, discoveries to make, and wonderful surprises waiting around the next corner. At 67, I’m not finished living. I’m still discovering what it means to be Kit Summers—and the best chapters may still be ahead!
The Death of Kit? Yes, I know. One day, I won’t be here to write this blog. Sorry, folks, but even Kit can’t juggle forever! Still, I have a few thoughts about my final act. I’ve spent my life embracing adventure, and I see no reason why my departure shouldn’t reflect that same spirit.
When my time comes, I don’t want to take up a piece of this beautiful Earth with a grave, nor do I want to use energy for cremation. Instead, I would love for my naked body to be returned to the wilderness, where insects, animals, and the soil can make good use of what remains. Why waste what nature can recycle?
After a lifetime of wandering through majestic forests, exploring distant shorelines, climbing towering mountains, crossing vast deserts, and standing in awe of nature’s endless wonders, I want my final contribution to be a gift to the Earth.
This extraordinary planet has given me golden sunrises, fresh mountain air, towering redwoods, rushing rivers, spectacular sunsets, and countless adventures that have filled my life with wonder. Nature has given me a lifetime of extraordinary experiences, and someday, I want to return the favor.
When my final adventure comes, I want to return to the wilderness that has brought me so much happiness. Imagine my body resting beneath the trees, surrounded by birdsong, rustling leaves, and the wind whispering through the forest.
As time passes, tiny insects, microorganisms, and the natural forces of decomposition will gradually return my body to the soil. The nutrients that once sustained my life will nourish countless other living things. Even in death, I want to contribute to life’s magnificent cycle.
Perhaps someday, colorful wildflowers will bloom from the soil where my body returned to the Earth, their bright petals dancing in the gentle breeze. Or perhaps a magnificent tree will take root, growing tall and strong, stretching its branches toward the warm sunshine I have loved throughout my life. What a beautiful thought—that even after my final breath, something wonderful might grow from what I leave behind.
Birds may build their nests among the tree’s leaves, squirrels may scamper along its branches, and future generations may rest peacefully beneath its welcoming shade. Long after my footsteps have faded, a small part of me could continue nurturing the world I have spent a lifetime exploring and loving. From the Earth I came, and to the Earth I will return. My final adventure will not be an ending, but a new beginning—giving back to this extraordinary planet that has given me so much!
Rather than taking up space on this planet after I’m gone, I want to become part of the natural cycle that has sustained life for millions of years. Nature has given me a lifetime of treasures, and I want to give something back.
But don’t get too excited, bugs, worms, and woodland critters! Your banquet will have to wait. At 67, I’m planning to stick around for at least another 33 years—and perhaps a few more! Forests still call, sunsets still beckon, people still inspire, and adventures still wait around the next bend.
One day, I hope to give my body back to the Earth. But until then, I’ll give my heart, energy, and enthusiasm to LIFE! This extraordinary planet isn’t finished with me, and I’m certainly not finished with it! Age 100—here I come!
Throughout my life, I’ve questioned, explored, and searched for answers rather than blindly accepting what others tell me to believe. I’ve heard religious leaders speak with absolute certainty about God, heaven, and eternal life, yet I keep returning to one simple question: Where is the evidence?
I’ve spent my life questioning, learning, and searching for answers, and I’ve learned that believing something deeply doesn’t make it true. Just because millions of people have accepted a religious belief for thousands of years doesn’t mean I must accept it, too.
Faith isn’t evidence, tradition isn’t proof, and certainty doesn’t guarantee truth. I’ve always valued my independence and my ability to think for myself rather than blindly accepting what others tell me to believe.
I’ve survived experiences that nearly ended my life, and each one has strengthened my appreciation for the precious life I know I have. Having come so close to death, I choose to treasure the time I have on Earth rather than place my hopes in an afterlife that no one has ever proven exists.
Life is far too extraordinary, unpredictable, and precious to spend waiting for promises of another existence. The life we know we have is happening right now, and every moment is an opportunity to explore, discover, love, and make a difference. Why gamble on an unproven eternity when we have the extraordinary gift of being alive today?
My experiences have taught me to think independently, challenge assumptions, and search for truth, even when the answers are uncomfortable. I refuse to surrender my curiosity, my reason, or my freedom to question simply because someone claims to know God’s mind. I respect others’ right to believe, but belief alone is not proof. I would rather spend my life asking honest questions than find comfort in answers never demonstrated to be true.
I’ve come close to death, survived a 37-day coma, and learned firsthand how fragile and precious life can be. I see no convincing evidence that consciousness continues after death, and I won’t pretend otherwise simply because someone claims to know what happens next. If religious certainty cannot withstand honest questions, perhaps it isn’t certainty at all. I would rather live with unanswered questions than accept comforting answers without evidence.
Face the fact: no heaven waits, no eternal existence, and no second chance. What lives on is the impact we have had on others and on the earth, the love we have shared, and the memories we leave behind. Those are the things that give our lives lasting meaning.
Heaven is a hope that isn’t there. Because no one has proven evidence of a god or an afterlife, I believe we must make the most of the life we have, right here and right now. Don’t waste precious time waiting or hoping for something better beyond this world.
LIVE FULLY!
LOVE DEEPLY!
Make a positive difference in others’ lives. When you help someone else find happiness, purpose, or hope, you enrich your own life in ways you might never have imagined. The greatest reward in life isn’t what we receive, but what we give.
I would rather embrace the reality of this one extraordinary life than spend it preparing for another that may never come. I understand that believing in God brings many people comfort and hope, especially when facing death or losing someone they love. But to me, hope without evidence is simply wishful thinking. Life is precious precisely because it doesn’t last forever. So, while we’re here, let’s love deeply.
Live fully.
Give people wonderful reasons to remember us!
Losing so much of my family has taught me something I wish everyone could understand before experiencing such heartbreak: The people we love will not be with us forever. We often assume we’ll have another conversation, another visit, another hug, or another chance to say the words that matter most. But life makes no such promises. Sometimes tomorrow never comes, and the words we meant to say remain forever unspoken. NOW is your chance!
That is why I encourage you to cherish the people who make your life meaningful. If you have someone special in your life, LOVE THEM 
WITH ALL YOUR HEART!
Give them your time.
Show them kindness.
Share your laughter.
Remind them how much they mean to you.
Don’t assume they already know.
Tell them! Show them! Make memories together while you still can.
And remember, love isn’t something we should save for special occasions. It belongs in our everyday lives—in a warm embrace, a thoughtful word, an unexpected phone call, or simply taking the time to listen.
Sometimes the smallest gestures create the most lasting memories.
Don’t wait to show your love.
GIVE IT TODAY.
GIVE IT FREELY.
GIVE IT OFTEN!
Every morning you wake up is another opportunity that someone else never received. Don’t waste your precious days dwelling on what you’ve lost or waiting for the perfect moment to begin living. Love deeply, laugh often, explore fearlessly, and pursue the dreams that make your heart come alive.
These heartbreaking experiences have profoundly changed how I see life and growing older. Each passing day carries us further along life’s unpredictable journey, yet none of us knows how many tomorrows we have left.
DEATH HAS FOLLOWED ME AND MY
FAMILY LIKE A MERCILLIS SHADOW.
Losing people I loved has taught me that growing older is not something to fear, but a privilege to appreciate. Every new day is a gift, every moment is an opportunity, and every breath is another chance to make our lives meaningful. Don’t simply count the years you live—make the years you have count!
But perhaps my love story isn’t finished yet. Someone wonderful may still be waiting to enter my life—someone with whom I can share laughter, affection, companionship, and new adventures. Picturing that reality frightens us; why not let it inspire us? Wonderful memories, and lessons I never imagined learning.
But I’m not finished living, discovering, loving, or dreaming! I still have places I want to explore, people I hope to meet, and beautiful memories waiting to be made. My past has given me a thousand stories to tell, but my future still has plenty of blank pages. And believe me, I intend to fill them!
I LEARNED THAT WE CANNOT CHANGE YESTERDAY.
TOMORROW IS NEVER GUARANTEED.
BUT TODAY?
TODAY IS OURS TO LIVE AND LOVE!
Embrace new adventures, pursue your dreams, keep learning, laugh whenever possible, and surround yourself with people you love. We cannot stop the clock, but we can decide how to spend the precious time it gives us.
Don’t simply count the years you’ve lived.
MAKE THE YEARS COUNT!
Don’t just grow older—
GROW BETTER!
And above all, never forget to LOVE while you LIVE!
OLD AGE—THAT FUTURE MAY ARRIVE SOONER THAN YOU THINK!
As for my future? Hmm… right now, the picture doesn’t look quite so bright. I miss the companionship, affection, and joy of having someone special beside me. She is out there; I just need time to find her. If you are her, please connect.
After all, beautiful memories belong to the past.
Love has no expiration date.
The future may still have a few wonderful surprises waiting for me.
This could happen for you, too.
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PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights—Inspiration Served with a Smile!
Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, my friend! Wherever you are, whatever the hour, I’m delighted you’re here. Perhaps the sun is rising, painting your world with golden light, or maybe the stars are shining as another day comes to a close. No matter the time or place, inspiration is always ready to put a smile on your face! It doesn’t wear a watch, follow a schedule, or wait for the perfect day. Sometimes it arrives with a laugh, a loving hug, a joyful thought, or three wonderful ideas for me to juggle away! 🤹♂️
That’s the beautiful music of words. They travel across oceans, dance through the hours, and touch hearts in places I’ve never been. My readers live around the world, each with a different story, a different dream, and a different mountain to climb. I may not know what time it is where you are, but I know something far more important: Your life matters, your dreams are worth chasing, and your best moments may still be waiting to begin. So wherever you are, let your heart sing, let your spirit soar, and make today a beautiful song worth remembering!
YOU ARE HERE, YOU MATTER, AND YOUR LIFE IS FILLED
WITH POSSIBILITIES STILL WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED! ✨
WELCOME, MY FRIEND!
I’m truly happy you’re here, sharing a little of your day with me. Through my writing, I hope to bring you a smile, a little laughter, and perhaps a fresh perspective on your own life. I’ve experienced incredible highs and devastating lows, and I’m still learning from every adventure. If my words brighten your day or inspire a new thought, then sharing my story is worthwhile!
>>>> OCTOBER 17
Computer time! I seem to spend more and more of my day at the keyboard, turning thoughts into words and ideas into stories. My last blog was a beast to organize, but I expect this one to come together much more smoothly. Writing has become one of my favorite ways to spend my time, and I genuinely enjoy the creative process.
I’ve discovered that writing comes naturally to me, and the more I write, the easier the words flow. Sharing my experiences and lessons gives my life meaning and purpose. When I write, I feel completely free. My body may have limitations, but my imagination has none! Through my words, I can travel anywhere, touch lives, and continue making a difference.
Yet when I look up from my computer, reality returns. I’m still here at Legacy, surrounded by comfort but longing for freedom. Sometimes I feel as though my future has already been decided for me. And since I intend to live beyond 100, that’s one mighty long sentence! Everything I need is provided, except some of what I need most: independence, adventure, love, and companionship.
Having spent a month in jail on a false charge, I know something about confinement. Legacy is far more comfortable, but comfort cannot replace the excitement of truly living. After surviving devastating accidents and fighting so hard to rebuild my life, the thought of simply watching the years pass is heartbreaking. I didn’t fight my way back to life just to surrender control of how I live it.
For example, I no longer have my van, a car, or even a bicycle. For someone who has spent a lifetime embracing freedom, exploring new places, and moving forward, this loss of independence is especially difficult. I’ve always been the one deciding where to go and what adventure to pursue next. Now, having to depend on others just to get somewhere feels terribly confining. But my desire for freedom hasn’t disappeared. I may have lost my wheels, but I haven’t lost my determination to move forward.
Now it’s time to turn determination into action! I want to strengthen my body, improve my balance, regain as much independence as possible, and explore living arrangements that offer greater freedom while keeping me safe.
I’ll work with my therapists, set achievable goals, build meaningful friendships, and continue writing and inspiring others. Every small victory will bring me closer to the life I want. At 67, I’m not waiting for someone to hand me a future. I’m determined to build one! My independence may take time, but my journey toward freedom begins NOW!
My computer mouse has stopped working, and the funny thing is, I have THREE of them! You’d think at least one would cooperate.🐭🧀 Without my trusty little mouse friend, putting my blog together has become quite a challenge. What’s a writer to do when all three of his mice go on strike? Perhaps I need a cat to straighten them out!
Joe Claxton to the rescue—once again! Joe opened my computer’s control panel and quickly discovered the problem: somehow, the mouse setting had been turned off. With a few clicks, he switched it back on, and just like that, my mouse was working again!
Now I’m happily back at my keyboard, typing away and turning my thoughts into words. Thanks to Joe Saxton, my computer works, my creativity flows, and I’m back in business! Best of all, my mouse is behaving perfectly—and I don’t even have to feed it any cheese!
But it is bothering me that nothing ever changes here. The same things happen every day; there’s no way around it. The meals are the only thing to look forward to. I just finished my spaghetti with meat sauce. Like most meals here, it was made very well and was delicious.
I still get this strange feeling like I was put in here at Legacy and will be confined here until my death, which will be beyond the age of 100, I might add. This just feels like being in jail; I was in one for a month on a false charge, so I know how it is. But if I were in jail, I would not be able to write these words to you. So, thanks.
>>>> OCTOBER 18
A new room means a fresh beginning and another wonderful opportunity to create a space that’s entirely my own. I’ve always enjoyed living simply, surrounded by only the things I truly need and love. My new little home has a comfortable bed, a bathroom, and an office I’m still putting together. I don’t need much space or many possessions to be happy. I’ve learned that happiness doesn’t come from having more things, but from making the most of what you have.
I just stepped outside to see my new room from a different perspective. My previous room was on the second floor, hard to see from the outside, but now I’m on the ground floor, much closer to nature. From my window, I see beautiful trees, lush greenery, and a wonderful touch of wilderness. I walked around the building, taking in the surroundings, and everything looked quite lovely.
Having nature right outside my window brings me a sense of peace, freedom, and connection to the world beyond these walls. One thing caught my attention: every window had its blinds closed—except mine! I can’t imagine shutting out the sunshine, the trees, and the beauty of the natural world.
I love waking up to the gentle light of a new day, looking through my window, and watching the world come alive. The trees, the birds, the changing sky, and nature’s simple beauty remind me how wonderful it is to be alive. My blinds will always remain open, welcoming the sunshine and whatever surprises each new day brings. Every morning offers another opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary world around us.
I notice that most people keep their blinds closed, shutting out the beauty waiting just beyond their windows. That makes me sad because so much life is happening right outside, so much to see, appreciate, and enjoy. I want to experience every bit of it, from the first morning light to the fading colors of sunset. Why shut out the world when you can welcome it in? Life is too beautiful to spend behind closed blinds!
Life was never meant to be lived behind closed blinds, shutting out the beauty and possibilities waiting just beyond our windows. An extraordinary world still exists out there, filled with adventures to experience, wonders to discover, and memories yet to be made. As long as I’m alive, I intend to keep my blinds open, my curiosity growing, and my heart eager for whatever comes next. LIFE IS TOO WONDERFUL TO MISS!
Sunday mornings are interesting for me here at Legacy. While many around me eagerly prepare for church, I wonder what makes their faith so powerful that they return every week.
I’ve lived through experiences that nearly ended my life, fought my way back from a coma, and faced challenges that forever changed how I see the world. Through it all, I’ve learned to question almost everything, especially the things people insist I must believe.
I don’t attend church, and I don’t believe in any of the Gods.
Well, I do sit in now and then.
Churches worldwide seem to preach the same things.
That doesn’t mean my life lacks wonder, gratitude, or purpose.
When people question my disbelief in God, I simply respond, “If your God is all-knowing, then surely he (or she) knows exactly what it would take to convince me of their existence. Yet, so far, I’ve heard nothing, seen no convincing evidence, and received no reason to believe.”
If God truly exists and chooses to remain silent, how can I be blamed for my disbelief? And if I am condemned to hell simply for questioning something I have never been given a reason to accept, then whose fault is that—mine or God’s?
I refuse to believe that sincere questions and honest doubt deserve eternal punishment. If God values truth, then questioning should be welcomed, not condemned. After all, genuine truth has nothing to fear from an inquisitive mind.
Whenever I hear a pastor speak with absolute certainty about God, heaven, hell, and eternity, I find myself questioning every word. Where is the evidence? How can anyone claim to know what happens after death when no one can show they know it? Belief is one thing, but presenting belief as unquestionable truth is something entirely different.
Standing behind a pulpit doesn’t make someone an authority on the mysteries of existence. A confident voice, an ancient book, and a congregation of believers do not turn assumptions into facts. If your beliefs are built on truth, why should honest questions threaten them?
I’ve spent my life questioning, exploring, learning, and searching for truth. I refuse to surrender my curiosity, independent thinking, or ability to reason simply because someone claims to speak for God. Truth should withstand questioning, not demand unquestioning obedience. My mind is my own, and I intend to keep using it!
Faith may bring comfort, but comfort is not evidence. Conviction does not establish truth, certainty is not proof, and a belief repeated for thousands of years does not become fact simply because generations have accepted it. Truth should stand on evidence, withstand honest questions, and never demand that we stop thinking.
I don’t demand that others abandon their faith. I simply ask that they recognize the difference between what they believe and what they can actually demonstrate. If there is a God, surely an honest search for truth should be welcomed, not condemned.
For me, the wonder of existence doesn’t require a supernatural explanation. I find extraordinary beauty in nature, the universe’s vastness, the incredible abilities of the human mind, and the simple miracle of being alive.
I’ve traveled extensively, explored magnificent wilderness areas, and witnessed wonders that left me speechless. I don’t need to believe in heaven to appreciate Earth’s beauty. This world offers more mysteries, adventures, and discoveries than I could possibly experience in one lifetime.
I’ve come close to death, fought my way back, and discovered just how precious life truly is. Those experiences didn’t convince me that some higher power was watching over me. Instead, they strengthened my appreciation for human determination, resilience, kindness, and love.
I don’t need religion to understand compassion, and I don’t need the promise of an afterlife to live a meaningful life. My purpose comes from learning, creating, helping others, and making every day count.
I respect those who find peace, comfort, and meaning through their faith, and I hope they can respect my freedom to question. I’ve spent my life challenging limitations, overcoming adversity, and discovering possibilities that others considered impossible. Why should I stop questioning when it comes to religion?
I would rather explore life’s mysteries with curiosity and an open mind than accept answers simply because they’ve been repeated for centuries. To me, questioning isn’t a weakness; it’s one of our greatest strengths.
My purpose isn’t to prepare for another life; it’s to make the most of the one I have. I don’t spend my days worrying about what might happen after death. I’m far more interested in what I can accomplish before that day arrives! At 67, I still have dreams to pursue, stories to write, people to inspire, and adventures waiting to unfold.
Life is my greatest gift, and I intend to unwrap every bit of it! I don’t need eternity to give my life meaning. I need today, tomorrow, and the courage to make them extraordinary. Yet even with that determination, I’ve begun questioning how my life became so disconnected from the world I once knew and loved.
After years of traveling wherever my heart desired, exploring new places, making my own decisions, and embracing life on my own terms, I now find myself in a world where much of that precious independence seems to have slipped away.
For someone who has spent a lifetime chasing freedom and adventure, losing the ability to choose my own path is one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. But while my circumstances may have changed, my desire for freedom, independence, and new adventures remains as strong as ever.
Independence has always defined who I am, and losing control over even the simplest parts of my life is deeply unsettling. I’ve spent my life creating my own adventures, and now I feel like someone else is deciding where my journey will take me.
Yet I refuse to believe that my days of freedom, discovery, and adventure are behind me. I’ve overcome tremendous obstacles before, and I know so much life still awaits. My circumstances may have changed, but my determination certainly hasn’t.
I may have lost some of my independence, but I haven’t lost my spirit, my dreams, or my desire to explore the world. My future still belongs to me, and I’m determined to reclaim as much freedom as possible!
HEY, IS THAT KIT?
The world continues moving beyond these walls, and sometimes I feel trapped, watching life pass me by. That frightens me, but what frightens me even more is accepting this as my permanent future. I have fought too hard, overcome too much, and come too far to surrender my independence now.
I’ve always been fiercely independent, traveling wherever I wanted and making my own decisions. Now, without a vehicle or even a bicycle, I feel trapped in a world where others determine so much of my daily existence.
Sometimes I wonder whether I’ve lost my independence or simply lost sight of how to regain it. So many questions, so few answers. But I know regaining my freedom won’t happen overnight. My balance needs improvement, my body needs strengthening, and I must find practical ways to become more self-sufficient.
I have a plan: continue physical therapy, rebuild my confidence, explore transportation options, reconnect with the outside world, and work toward having greater control over where I go and how I live. Every small improvement will be another step toward the life I want. I may need help with certain things, but needing help doesn’t mean surrendering control of my future.
I’ve rebuilt my life before, even when the odds seemed impossible. After spending 37 days in a coma, I had to relearn how to walk, talk, and live. If I could do that, I can surely find a way forward now! My goal isn’t simply to escape these walls. It’s to regain the freedom to make my own choices, pursue new adventures, build meaningful relationships, and wake up each morning excited about the day ahead.
I don’t want the rest of my life planned for me. I want to help create it! At 67, with every intention of living beyond 100, I’m not ready to spend the next three decades simply being cared for. I want choices, adventures, friendships, meaningful work, and the freedom to discover what tomorrow might bring.
My first step is to stop asking whether independence is possible and start finding out exactly what it will take.
I may never live precisely as I once did, but I can still build a life that feels like my own. And that is a future worth fighting for! I’m not preparing for the end of my story. I’m preparing for my next great beginning. INDEPENDENCE, HERE I COME!
>>>> OCTOBER 19
I slept wonderfully in my little twin bed last night. Since I hardly move or roll over while sleeping, it’s just the right size for me. I don’t need a big bed to get a good night’s rest, and this little one suits me perfectly. Sometimes, having less really does make life simpler.
Of course, if a special lady ever comes into my life, we might need to reconsider the sleeping arrangements. Perhaps her place would have a little more room, or we could enjoy a quiet getaway somewhere. But first, we have to find that special someone. My heart certainly has room for romance, even if my bed is another story. And who knows? Perhaps she’s reading this right now.
Each week, Brianna takes some people to Walmart on the bus; today was one of those days. We just got back; three of us rode the small bus. The vehicle sat idling for a long time. So much gas was wasted; it’s sad.
Each week, Legacy provides a bus trip to Walmart for residents who want to shop. Today was one of those days, with Brianna behind the wheel. Only three of us rode the small bus, and we just got back. It’s nice to get out, even if it’s only for a little shopping adventure.
One thing bothered me, though. The bus was left idling for a long time, burning fuel unnecessarily. Watching all that gasoline go to waste was disappointing, especially when simply turning off the engine could save money and help the environment. Sometimes, making the world a better place begins with something as simple as turning a key!
My computer mouse decided to stop working, even though I had been feeding the little fellow plenty of cheese! Unfortunately, his refusal to cooperate made it hard to work on my blog. Fortunately, Joe Saxton, who works here at Legacy, came to the rescue and got everything running smoothly again. Now life is back to normal—whatever “normal” means these days! Such a small thing, yet it brought me a
>>>>> OCTOBER 20
Good morning to you! I’ve been awake for hours, thinking about what to write and searching for just the right words to bring a smile to your face.
Sometimes the simplest words are the best. I’m glad you’re here, sharing another day with me. I hope your morning begins with a smile and that the rest of your day gives you plenty more reasons to keep smiling!
This morning, I had another physical therapy session, and I must admit I walked away feeling more frustrated than encouraged. The exercises seemed designed for someone much older and less capable than I feel.
I understand the importance of maintaining my strength, improving my balance, and staying active. But I want exercises that challenge me, push my limits, and help me make real progress. I want to accomplish something, not simply go through the motions.
After spending much of my life as a professional juggler, traveling the world, performing difficult tricks, and constantly challenging my physical abilities, it’s hard to accept being treated like a helpless old man.
Yes, I’ve survived some terrible accidents, and my body doesn’t always cooperate the way it once did. But my determination hasn’t disappeared. I want physical therapy that helps me discover what I can still accomplish, not exercises that remind me of what I’ve lost.
The longer I stay here, the more I realize how unhappy I am with this environment. The people are kind, and I appreciate the care I receive, but the slower pace of life is difficult for me.
I’ve spent my life seeking adventure, challenging myself, and discovering what lies beyond the next bend in the road. Now, too many days follow the same predictable routine. I miss my independence, my freedom, and the excitement of waking up with something wonderful to look forward to.
I may be 67 years old, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to live like I’m 97!
A curious, adventurous, determined young man still lives inside this aging body, and he has absolutely no intention of retiring.
I don’t expect to juggle seven clubs again tomorrow, but I certainly don’t intend to stop reaching for something better. My abilities may have changed, but my desire to improve hasn’t.
I don’t want to spend the rest of my life simply being cared for. I want to LIVE!
I want to grow stronger, experience new adventures, meet fascinating people, laugh more often, and continue discovering everything this remarkable world has to offer. Growing older is inevitable, but I refuse to stop living fully.
I refuse to believe my best days are behind me. I still have exciting chapters to write, new adventures to experience, challenges to overcome, and countless reasons to jump out of bed each morning.
HEY, would I look like this if I lifted weights? 😜
I’ve already lived an extraordinary journey, but I still want to see, do, learn, and accomplish so much more. My past may be filled with incredible stories, but my future is still bursting with possibilities. And believe me, I’m nowhere near finished yet.
Once again, I feel trapped here, unable to come and go as I please. The freedom and independence I once enjoyed seem so far away. Some days, I struggle to find anything worth getting excited about.
I don’t like feeling this way, but the frustration keeps building. Even little things that ordinarily wouldn’t bother me seem to get under my skin.
Today, as at the other places I’ve lived, a staff member came by to empty my trash. Only a few things were at the bottom of the can, yet she was ready to replace the entire bag.
I stopped her, asked her to put the bag back, and scolded her for being wasteful. Looking back, I realize my frustration probably came through more strongly than necessary.
I understand that she’s simply doing her job, and I appreciate her efforts. Still, I wish more people would pause and consider whether something truly needs to be done.
Just because we’ve always done something a certain way doesn’t mean there isn’t a better way. Even small decisions, like replacing a nearly empty trash bag, deserve a little thought.
One wasted trash bag may not seem important, but multiply that by millions of people making similar decisions every day, and the environmental consequences become enormous.
I’m not suggesting that everyone needs to change everything they do. But greater awareness could make a tremendous difference. Protecting our planet doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as stopping, thinking, and choosing not to waste.
Today, they installed a BIG-screen TV in my room—and when I say BIG, I mean ENORMOUS! It practically takes over the room.
The funny thing is, I hardly ever watch television. I might catch the news or an occasional episode of 60 Minutes, but I’d much rather spend my time writing, creating, and exploring my own ideas.
Now I have a television big enough for a movie theater, with an audience of one who isn’t particularly interested in the show!
I suppose there’s something amusing about having such an impressive television when watching it is so far down my list of favorite activities.
Oh, how times have changed! I remember being a young boy, sitting in our living room, watching our little black-and-white television. Back then, having a TV was a special treat.
A remote control? We didn’t have one. In fact, the very idea of a remote seemed pretty remote!
If you wanted to change the channel, you got up, walked across the room, and turned the knob yourself. Imagine that—a television that actually encouraged physical exercise!
Now, decades later, I have a screen so enormous it practically brings the entire world into my room. Technology has come a long way, but I still enjoy living more than sitting around watching someone else live.
My phone sits right next to my television remote. What an amazing little invention! As a child, I could never have imagined something so small it would fit in my pocket could accomplish so much.
Nowadays (yes, those three words have become one!), a phone can take pictures, play music, show movies, provide directions, answer questions, and connect us instantly with people on the other side of the planet.
I remember our first telephones—those wonderful rotary phones with a dial that clicked as you turned it. A cord connected the handset to the base, and another cord connected the base to the wall.
You actually had to stand near the phone to talk! And if you dialed the wrong number, you had to start all over again. Patience wasn’t optional back then!
Today, I carry an entire world of information in my pocket. We’ve come a long way from twisting a dial to touching a screen. I can only imagine what incredible inventions future generations will take for granted!
Joe hooked up my enormous television and headed off to his next project. Naturally, I grabbed the remote and started exploring my new entertainment center.
Everything worked beautifully—until suddenly, nothing worked! I pushed buttons, tried different things, and wondered what had gone wrong.
Joe returned to investigate, and after a little detective work, we discovered the problem: dead batteries in the remote! DUH!
Two little batteries brought all that sophisticated modern technology to a complete standstill.
Sometimes the simplest things cause the biggest headaches—and provide the best laughs!
>>>>> OCTOBER 21
Since moving into my new room, I’ve discovered another unexpected benefit: I’ve found a much better place to sit in the dining room! Even better, I now have to walk less than half as far to reach the restaurant. It’s a small change, but one that makes everyday life a little easier and more enjoyable. Sometimes, moving forward in life means moving a little closer to dinner!
This morning, I had another physical therapy session, and I walked away feeling more frustrated than encouraged. The exercises were so simple that I found myself silently saying, “NEXT!” I kept hoping the next exercise would challenge me, push my abilities, or at least make me feel I was accomplishing something. But each new exercise seemed just as easy as the one before.
I’ve spent my life pushing my physical limits, and I have no intention of stopping now. I understand that my body has changed and that balance and safety are important, but I want physical therapy that helps me improve, not simply go through the motions.
I’m not asking for the impossible. I’m asking for a challenge! I know my body has limitations, but I also know there’s more potential inside me waiting to be discovered. I don’t want to spend my days simply repeating exercises that keep me where I am. I want to push forward, improve my abilities, and discover what I can still accomplish.
Don’t just help me maintain what I have. Challenge me to become stronger, steadier, and more capable. Don’t treat my age as a limitation or my past injuries as the end of my possibilities. Help me discover what I can still become!
What wonderful news! Those big planters represent more than just a place to grow vegetables. They offer something new to nurture, something to look forward to, and another little piece of independence. I may not have much room, but I don’t need acres of land to grow something worthwhile.
A few tomato plants, some lettuce, peppers, or herbs could turn that small space into my own miniature garden. There’s something especially satisfying about planting a seed, watching it grow, and eventually enjoying something I’ve raised myself. I’m not just planting vegetables. I’m planting possibilities!
Tomorrow, a new adventure begins! And yes, I can certainly tell how happy you are. After so much time feeling confined, having a little garden to nurture, watching seeds sprout, and eventually enjoying food you’ve grown yourself is something wonderful. You’re not just planting vegetables. You’re planting independence, purpose, and possibilities! Every new leaf will remind you that life keeps growing, and so can you. Your garden may be small, but the happiness it brings could be enormous! 🌱
This garden could become something wonderful for the other people living here, too. I hope they’ll want to get involved, whether it’s planting vegetables, watering them, or simply enjoying watching everything grow. It would be terrific to see everyone working together and sharing in the harvest.
I’m hoping our little garden will be fruitful—though, come to think of it, I don’t think we’ll grow much fruit! Perhaps we’ll plant some grapes. But the real harvest may be something even sweeter: the friendships we cultivate, the laughter we share, and the joy of watching something grow together. After all, a garden doesn’t have to produce fruit to produce something wonderful!
Someone bought bags of dirt, though I’m not sure if it’s right now. I will bring a bag and search around the area for leaves. As I put the garden together, I will add a layer of dirt, then a layer of leaves, and keep going back and forth. The leaves will eventually become good compost.
>>>>> OCTOBER 22
Last night, my phone rang with a sales call. In the middle of the night! How dare they! Apparently, some salespeople believe sleep is optional. But now I can fight back! I’ve finally learned how to block unwanted calls using Google Voice. No more letting pesky salespeople interrupt my peace and quiet. One little button, and they’re out of my life. OH, HAPPY DAY!
I just finished another session of physical therapy, and once again, I left feeling frustrated rather than encouraged. Everything moves at a snail’s pace! At one point, they strapped weights to my legs for leg lifts, but they were so light that I asked them to double the weight just to feel challenged.
The therapy room was overcrowded, with too many patients, too many therapists, and barely enough space to exercise.
I’m not looking for an easy workout.
I’m looking for progress! I’m looking for challenge!
I want to build strength, push my limits, and discover what I’m still capable of achieving. Without challenge, how can I grow?
The therapy room was also far too crowded. Patients were everywhere, therapists moved from person to person, and sometimes there was hardly enough space to do the exercises. With so much activity, it was hard to concentrate or feel like I was accomplishing anything. I appreciate the therapists’ efforts, but I want to be challenged, not simply kept busy. I’ve spent my life pushing beyond my limits, and I have no intention of stopping now!
I hate to say it, but some physical therapists don’t seem to be in the best physical shape themselves. Some are noticeably overweight, which surprises me in a profession devoted to improving physical health and fitness. I realize appearance doesn’t necessarily reflect someone’s knowledge or abilities, but I believe therapists should lead by example. After all, shouldn’t the people encouraging us to become stronger and healthier demonstrate that same commitment in their own lives?
Afterward, we headed outside to the pond to look for the alligator that lives there. Unfortunately, he was hiding so well that I couldn’t get a good look at him. Darn! Perhaps he wasn’t in the mood for visitors today. I’m determined to photograph him one of these days so I can share it with you. At least the alligator gave me something to look forward to—even if he wasn’t quite ready to make his grand debut!
I’M ACTUALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO
PETTING AND PLAYING WITH THE GATOR!
Or… on second thought, perhaps I’ll just take his picture.
I’d rather keep all ten fingers for juggling!
>>>>> OCTOBER 23
Met with Corin today, who deals with speaking, communication, and learning. Right away, my memory deficits were apparent. My memory is so bad I don’t even like to work on it. Next up comes PT; I hope I don’t get too bored this time.
In PT today I was not challenged enough, so I asked for more weight, that helped. I see that I will have to give input to make it more intensive.
DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEDAY.
YOUR LIFE IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW—GO LIVE IT!
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PART 3) BLOG 400–We and All Getting Older
Be Different—find your own way.
SIX MYTHS ABOUT AGING—AND
WHY I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THEM!
MYTH #1: Growing Older Means Growing Old!
Too often, we’re told that aging means declining health, fading memories, fewer opportunities, and watching our best years disappear into the rearview mirror. NONSENSE! Who decided that getting older means we must stop growing, learning, exploring, and enjoying life?
Yes, aging brings changes and unexpected challenges. But every birthday also represents another year of experiences, lessons learned, obstacles overcome, and possibilities waiting to be discovered. Growing older is inevitable. Growing old in spirit is a choice! Age is not a deadline for happiness, success, or personal growth. WE ARE NOT FINISHED LIVING—NOT EVEN CLOSE!
MYTH #2: Aging Automatically Means Poor Health
Growing older doesn’t automatically mean becoming weak or unhealthy. Although certain health challenges become more common with age, healthy habits can prevent, delay, or manage many of them.
Nutritious food, regular exercise, preventive healthcare, and staying active can help us maintain strength, balance, flexibility, and independence. Even walking, gardening, and stretching make a difference. The secret? KEEP MOVING! Your body was designed for action, not permanent residence in a recliner. Adapt to the changes, but never stop challenging yourself!
MYTH #3: Mental Decline Is Inevitable
Our brains may process some information more slowly as we age, but that doesn’t mean our intelligence, creativity, or curiosity disappears. Experience can strengthen judgment, emotional understanding, and problem-solving. Keep using and expanding yours.
Reading, writing, socializing, exercising, and exploring unfamiliar activities help keep our minds engaged. Our brains retain the remarkable ability to adapt and learn throughout life. Your brain isn’t simply a machine wearing out. It’s an extraordinary organ that can adapt, learn, and surprise you. GIVE YOUR BRAIN SOMETHING EXCITING TO DO!
MYTH #4: Older Adults Cannot Learn New Things
Whoever said, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” obviously never met a determined older adult! That tired expression belongs in the doghouse.
Thanks to neuroplasticity, our brains can continue forming new connections throughout life. We can learn languages, master technology, play instruments, develop new hobbies, or even begin entirely different careers. Learning may require more patience, but age also brings valuable experience and perspective.
NEVER STOP LEARNING! Try something unfamiliar. Ask questions. Challenge yourself. You don’t have to be good at something when you begin—that’s why we call it learning! You’re never too old to learn something new, but you can become too comfortable to try. Don’t let that happen!
MYTH #5: Older People Need Less Sleep
Just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean our bodies suddenly require less rest. Most adults over 65 still need approximately seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Sleep patterns may change, becoming lighter or more interrupted, but quality rest remains essential for memory, physical health, emotional well-being, and energy. Regular activity, consistent sleeping hours, and healthy evening habits can help. Sleep isn’t wasted time. It’s your body’s nightly maintenance crew, preparing you for another wonderful day!
MYTH #6: Our Best Years Are Behind Us
This may be the biggest myth of all! Passion, creativity, curiosity, adventure, and personal achievement never expire. Growing older doesn’t mean watching life disappear in the rearview mirror. It means using everything we’ve learned to explore new possibilities, pursue meaningful goals, and continue surprising ourselves.
Your best years may not be behind you. They may be backstage right now, warming up for the greatest performance of your life!
MY FINAL THOUGHT—AT 67, I’M JUST GETTING STARTED!
I’ve experienced extraordinary adventures, devastating setbacks, and remarkable recoveries. Life hasn’t always become easier with age, but it has taught me that every day offers another opportunity to learn, grow, laugh, love, and make a difference.
I may not be able to do everything I once did, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped dreaming. My best days aren’t behind me. Adventures still await, challenges to overcome, and new chapters waiting to be written.
BUT I’M STILL JUST GETTING GOING!
Don’t measure your life simply by how many years you’ve lived. Measure it by how much living you continue to put into those years. Stay curious, embrace change, and never allow a number to determine what’s possible.
GET OLDER. BECOME WISER.
KEEP LEARNING. KEEP GROWING.
KEEP LAUGHING. KEEP LOVING.
AND ABOVE ALL, KEEP LIVING!
You can’t always turn back the clock, but you can move forward with enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to discover what tomorrow might bring.
YOUR NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE IS STILL WAITING!
You’re never too old to plant the seeds of a better tomorrow.
So stop waiting for life to happen—get out there and make something grow!
AFTER ALL, LIFE IS TOO WONDERFUL TO SPEND IT STANDING STILL! 💛
HOW ABOUT THESE?
You may be old, but you can accomplish !!
YOU HAVE MUCH LEFT IN YOU!
Grandma Moses — Started painting seriously at 78
Anna Mary Robertson Moses became a celebrated American folk artist after beginning her painting career in her late 70s. She continued creating art past her 100th birthday.
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Harriette Thompson — Ran a marathon at 92
In 2015, she became the oldest woman to finish a marathon, completing the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon at age 92.
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Colonel Harland Sanders — Built a restaurant empire after 65.
Sanders expanded his Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise
business in his mid-60s, turning his chicken recipe into an
internationally recognized brand.
=====
Diana Nyad — Swam from Cuba to Florida at 64
In 2013, after several unsuccessful attempts, Nyad completed the approximately 110-mile swim without a shark cage. She refused to let previous failures end her dream.
======
Toni Morrison — Won the Nobel Prize at 62
The acclaimed novelist received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, demonstrating that creative achievement and recognition can flourish later in life.
=====
Fauja Singh — Completed a marathon at 100
In 2011, Singh completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon at age 100. Although Guinness did not officially recognize his record because of documentation requirements, his accomplishment inspired runners worldwide.
=====
John Glenn — Returned to space at 77
In 1998, the former astronaut became the oldest person to travel into space at that time, aboard the space shuttle Discovery.
=====
Nola Ochs — Earned her college degree at 95
In 2007, Ochs graduated from Fort Hays State University, proving that education doesn’t have an expiration date.
=====
Yuichiro Miura — Climbed Mount Everest at 80
In 2013, the Japanese mountaineer reached Everest’s summit at age 80, becoming the oldest person to do so.
=====
Sister Madonna Buder — Completed an Ironman at 82
Known as the Iron Nun, she became the oldest woman at the time to finish an Ironman triathlon in 2012, completing a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, and 26.2-mile run.
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PART 4) 🔥 THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are mental spark plugs! 💥 They awaken your mind, ignite your courage, and turn “I can’t” into “WHY NOT?” But their real power comes when you believe them and act.
Words can inspire you, but ACTION transforms you!
Don’t just read inspiration—BECOME THE INSPIRATION!
1) “For the unlearned, old age is winter;
for the learned, it is the season of the harvest.”
~Hasidic saying
2) “Age is just the number of years you’ve lived,
not a limit on the adventures still waiting for you!”
~ Kit Summers
3) “Every year should teach you something valuable;
whether you get the lesson is up to you.
Every year brings you closer to expressing your
whole and healed self.”
~Oprah Winfrey
4) “One of the reasons people get old—lose their aliveness—
is that they get weighed down by all of their stuff.”
~Richard Leider
5) “I suppose real old age begins when one
looks backward rather than forward.”
~ Mary Sarton
6) “Of all the self-fulfilling prophecies in our culture
The assumption that aging means decline and poor
health is probably the deadliest.”
~ Marilyn Ferguson
7) “Growing older doesn’t mean slowing down on life.
It means finding new ways to make every day an adventure!”
~ Kit Summers
8) “Your 40s are good.
Your 50s are great.
Your 60s are fab.
And 70 is f*@king awesome!”
~Helen Mirren
9) “Age is no barrier.
It’s a limitation you put on your mind.”
~Jackie Joyner-Kersee
10) “Oh, the worst of all tragedies is not to die young,
but to live until I am seventy-five and yet not ever truly to have lived.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
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PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK!
ACT YOUR AGE? WHY NOT ACT 16 AGAIN!
Remember being 16, when life was an adventure, possibilities seemed endless, and every day brought something exciting to discover? Who decided that youthful spirit must disappear just because the candles on our birthday cakes keep multiplying? Growing older is inevitable, but growing old in spirit is a choice!
Your age may be a number, but your attitude helps determine how fully you live! Stay curious, laugh often, explore new possibilities, and dare to try something you’ve never done before. You can’t stop the years from passing, but you can refuse to let them steal your enthusiasm. Your body may be getting older, but your dreams don’t have to retire!
Here’s your challenge for the week: ACT 16 AGAIN! Rediscover that wonderful sense of adventure. Do something unexpected, learn something new, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and find excitement in the ordinary. Don’t let the number of years you’ve lived determine how much life you have left to enjoy.
You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind up your enthusiasm! Life is still an adventure, and YOUR
THINK AND ACT 16 THIS WEEK!
BEST CHAPTERS MAY STILL BE WAITING TO BE WRITTEN!
THAT IS YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK!
BETTER YET, MAKE IT YOUR CHALLENGE FOR LIFE!
You may be growing older, but you never have to stop growing YOUNGER IN SPIRIT!
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WOODSIDEMOTION!
My heartfelt thanks to Christopher and the entire Woodside Motion team for believing in my story and exploring the possibility of bringing it to the screen.
I’ve survived devastating accidents, fought my way through unimaginable challenges, and rebuilt my life more than once. I didn’t survive just to tell my story—I survived to inspire others to rewrite theirs.
Together, Christopher and Woodside can turn my extraordinary journey into something even greater: a powerful message that inspires people to overcome adversity, rediscover hope, and embrace life with courage.
Let’s make a film that doesn’t just tell a story—LET’S CHANGE LIVES!
NEVER GIVE UP ON LIFE!
Website: https://woodsidemotion.com/
Email: christopher@woodsidemotion.com
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CINDY MARVELL
I want to recognize someone I deeply admire—the MARVELLOUS CINDY MARVELL! As a lifelong juggler and performer, I recognize extraordinary talent, and Cindy has it in abundance! As founder of the Boulder Circus Center, she doesn’t just inspire audiences—she helps others discover their own greatness. What I admire most is that Cindy uses her remarkable gifts to lift others higher. To me, that’s true success! Cindy, you are an inspiration. Now watch this amazing woman in action! >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNbKaLV4I9Q
Cindy in the Wilderness Shaking Hands
Cindy Marvell has been more than a supporter of my movie project—she’s a treasured friend who truly believes in me and my story. The only woman ever to win the International Juggling Competition, Cindy’s greatest gift is her generous heart. Her encouragement, friendship, and financial support mean more to me than words can express. Cindy, thank you for believing in me, helping keep my dream alive, and reminding me how wonderful it is to have someone special in my corner! 🤹♂️💛
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PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>
BLOG 400 — YOUR LIFE!
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NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! Don’t just read my words—share yours! I genuinely want to know what you think, what you’ve experienced, and what inspires YOU. Your thoughts and ideas matter to me, and your message might spark my next blog or inspire someone else’s life. So don’t wait—WRITE TO ME TODAY! Let’s learn, grow, and make life better together!
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🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
YOU CAN DO THIS IN ALL AREAS. YOU CAN BE MORE—YOU ARE MORE!
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
🌟BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE! 🌟
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