Today I received responses to emails I sent to three different people. One of them was my daughter. The next was my son, and the third was a friend who has moved away.

It sometimes feels as if everyone is so busy living their lives that they forget you. I realize that it is silly to think that way, as I remember back to the time when my mother was as old as I, and in a home with Alzheimer's.

Unfortunately, I was neglectful, and didn't call to check very often as to how she was feeling. Now I wish that I could return to those days and re-live my time with her.

Maybe what growing older is really about is learning to recognize how human beings should act and sharing what you discover with others. That is why I am writing this article today.

There are many days when I feel extremely lonely and wish that my children were more interested in finding out how my husband and I are doing. It is on those days that I need to remember the past and better understand that they are busy, as I was long ago, living their own lives.

I know I sound very sad right now, and I don't want my readers to get that impression. What I am trying to communicate is that we must never stop learning. If you are an older individual like me, perhaps you should take every opportunity to learn and make a point of sharing what you discover with others.

Actually, this is a very positive message I am attempting to send to anyone who happens to read my words. Never let yourself feel neglected and take the time to write to the people you love and miss. Waiting for them to contact you may be extremely painful, and will accomplish very little. Why not take the time God has given you and write to them? It may produce some smiles where there were previously tears, and bring responses that give your life a lift. 

Today I had the pleasure of seeing my youngest son and his girl friend in three wonderful photos. He hasn't looked as happy for a very long time. Had I not sent him an email yesterday inquiring about his life, I would have missed the pleasure that my communication produced.

It never ceases to amaze me how every day we are on this planet we can learn something important.