I had a thought on this gray morn,

A thought that gives me pause;

A lot has changed since I was born,

I ponder on the cause.

 

On this morning I’m under par,

I spent the week quite sick;

The thought that gave me such a jar,

Is that I’m 66.

 

I used to have such energy,

I leapt fences in a bound;

Now all that pep has fled from me,

So the fences I walk around.

 

My vision used to be quite clear,

I had no need for glasses;

Now everything is just a blur,

And I’m slowing like molasses.

 

My energy took quite a dip,

So I’m careful on the ladder;

I really love my brand new hip,

And being rid of my gall bladder.

 

Life has never been so good,

I do just what I please;

But in doing everything I should,

There’s little time for ease.

 

Being retired should slow one down,

But I find that things aren’t slowing;

With so many grandkids all around,

My involvements just keep growing.

 

My responsibilities are great,

But, then, so are my joys;

The family’s grown at such a rate,

With over 40 girls and boys.

 

These kids are the happiness key,

They give me such a kick;

How many more will there be?

I’ll tune in again at 76.

 

 

(Mimicking my hero, Boyd K. Packer, The Ensign, May 2013, pgs. 6-7)