I went to see my friend Sid yesterday.  As I walked into his room, I was greeted by clear, sparkling eyes and a warm smile.  One would never know he’s affected by macular degeneration and is almost completely blind.  He always puts me immediately at ease by saying “It’s so good to see you”.  We met about two and a half years ago, when I was looking for someone to read to.  Sid welcomed me in to his life, and enjoys our weekly reading sessions almost as much as I do.  We share many interests, and art is one of them.  Therefore, we read mainly about art, and the biographies of famous artists.  Currently, we are  finishing up a great book about the life of Claude Monet, and Sid tells me he has already found the next book to read.  This one is on the history of art, and I can hardly wait!  We also enjoy wonderful conversations on all subjects and have become great friends.

Sid is an amazing person.  At 90 years young, he has never once complained to me about loosing his eyesight, or other challenges that aging can bring.  He does his best and goes with the flow of life, with a dignified calm and ease.  When he can, he goes to Braille school to help remain as self sufficient as possible.  I love to hear his incredible life stories about owning a nightclub, and being a singer with one of the big bands.  Oh, the people he knew…mingling with the rich and famous.  What an incredible era of music and entertainment he lived and worked in.

Not too long ago, I was lucky to attend a performance that Sid gave at the retirement home where he now resides with his equally amazing wife of sixty-some years.  His voice, accompanied by a piano, was enchanting and elegant.  He possessed a stage presence which had the entire room mesmerized.  When I hear about the importance of aging gracefully, Sid is one of those smart and fortunate people who enter into my mind.  He is a master of aging gracefully, and my life is so much richer because he is in it.  THANK YOU SID