Saturday, 12/13/14 (Some date!)

After a day at the winery, I returned home to a glass of port, fine chocolates, and biscotti. Some of the pleasures still left to me. I then repaired upstairs to watch my latest acquisition, Quartet, a film starring the incomparable Maggie Smith and a fabulous cast. The film is set in a home for retired musicians, all of whom are in various stages of the long (or short) downhill. It was breathtaking in many ways. I watched as a caregiver for my mother who is failing in a spectacular way. I watched as a former musician—although I am told that musicians are never “former.” I watched as an aging woman, who still has considerable energy and who still seeks to live and be engaged in life in many ways—not unlike many of the characters in the film.

All through the film, I sobbed. First out of sadness for the losses the musicians were experiencing—not only in health, but also in ability. In the end, it was about second chances, even in advanced age. It was about continued love and continued celebration of God-given talents. And it was about compassion.

You are never too old to learn more about compassion, forgiveness, and love.