Dear Lizzie Mae,

Aging is a process that is not noticed, let alone acknowledged, by the individual to whom it is happening -- until it can no longer be ignored.

To be sure, I knew that I was getting older through my 50's and 60's, but I never thought about it much. It didn't interfere with my abilities, or my thought processes. But the aircraft began to lose altitude through my 70's and now in my 80's, I can see the runway. The flight is almost over, and I must tell you that it's been a good, satisfying flight, but I'm not sorry it's almost over.

You see, in the past 10 years or so, I've been losing weight with no idea why, because my diet has not appreciably changed. I once exercised vigorously, but no more. My once firm muscles that could easily carry a sack of cement or a 90 lb. jackhammer on my shoulders, or throw babies in the air and catch them -- have become loose and flaccid. I tried doing push-ups a while back. Something I used to rattle off like marching steps when in the military -- couldn't even complete one. My skin is now wrinkled, my joints ache, I take a lot of pills each day which no doubt are keeping me alive. None of them take away the pain which is ongoing 24/7/365, or however long it's going to be.

I have now officially noticed. I've seen the drop in elevation and the runway ahead through the cockpit window.

Brain function has become gassy. Thank God it doesn't smell, unless it erupts in a smelly attitude.

I spend a lot of time coloring. You know, like kids with crayons, but mine is on a computer tablet. Would you believe I've done almost two thousand pictures? And yes, I enjoy it. Don't remember enjoying it that much when I was in Mrs. Shell's first grade. Also spend a lot of time with puzzles -- takes my mind off the agony that's going on in the world today.

I should stop here. I don't want to think about what's going on in the world today. I'm just glad I can see the runway ahead.

Every day I think about where I am going and how eager I am to get there. But it has been quite a ride. Glad I was born. Don't worry. I'm not giving up. Never will. Even with both hands of my brain tied behind me I can still fly, besides, the airport tower will probably tell me to go around a few more times before I land.

I loved it when the flight attendants wore mini-skirts.

-- PDM