Replies to a previous blog have made me think more deeply, and reflect further on a number of things. I thought I’d start with the comment made that the dumber things are, the more people respond, relating to replies (or lack of) to comments made on Facebook. Is it because the world is dumbing down? We don’t have to remember that much anymore, our computers and phones do most of that for us. We don’t have to go much further than the e-dictionary or encyclopaedia (Wiki-??) to find something out, and as with the urban myths of youth, many of us are inclined to believe most things people tell us, and even more so believe what is written down in black and white. A friend sent me the story below, which I have edited to ensure my own security and prevent too much outrage on my blog. It was sent as if it had been written by Bill Cosby when he was 76 years old. I cannot confirm this as fact, but the essence of what I have copied below is worth reading and thinking about.

“I’m 76 and I’m Tired”

I’m 76. Except for brief period in the 50’s when I was doing my National Service, I’ve worked hard since I was 17. Except for some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn’t call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn’t inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I’m tired. Very tired.

I’m tired of being told that I have to “spread the wealth” to people who don’t have my work ethic. I’m tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I’m tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate.

I’m tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught.

I’m tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

I’m really tired of people who don’t take responsibility for their lives and actions. I’m tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or whatever for their problems.”

When I was working, I too often put in more than 50 hours of work each week, and rarely took a sick day. The things written about in this article, have had the effect of making it feel more okay to have dementia, as I may not have to see the world too far into the future! My memory loss is annoying, and it would be easy to stay angry and feel depressed about it. Instead, I choose to live, to serve, to take responsibility for my feelings and responses, and more importantly take responsibility for every thought, every action and reaction, every single moment of my life. I might occasionally be tired of dementia, but I am not too tired to take absolute responsibility for myself.