All people who have lived a long time, like our parents, Are Remarkable. They have been shaped by their life circumstances Into extraordinary beings- Unique and completely human. Master survivors... They have taken on the traits of long life. They've seen so much, Felt so much... Both joy and crushing sadness. They have lived where we have not yet, And they have become wise, As we are now becoming. I marvel at them, all. They have lived through an incredible slice of life- Going from the days of horse and buggies To space shuttles and Computer highways, and... From diphtheria to AIDS, via typhoid, pneumonia, and polio; From radio to television without antennas; Through wars on many continents; Through the Depression. They no longer claim to be perfect, Nor expect perfection in others. Right and wrong are no longer absolutes, But principled living is paramount. Tossed about by hardships, But also sometimes riding the crest of happiness and success. Compromised by age, Weakened in some respects, But siring fine children and reveling in their grandchildren And great-grandchildren, Wherein may just lie their greatest joy and purpose in Life. Life goes on... One remarkable human being at a time. Each makes their mark... Each is a part of the Stream of Life... Each is essential to the future. And each is missed even before they are gone, When it seems they may be leaving. Sarah Gueldner