We were privileged to have both you and Peggy (and spouse) visit us this year. My wife is, of course, my secret weapon. You saw that first hand. After they made her, they threw away the mold. She keeps me on an even keel, and reminds me on a daily basis that no matter WHAT is out there to bother me, none of it matters a whole hell of a lot as long as she's there for me. That may sound exaggerated and overblown, but both you and Peggy know I am understating things if anything. If I lose her, I'm a useless wreck.
If I were to enter politics at age 66, I'd be both an idiot AND a train wreck. My cardiac issues and my wife's (currently dormant) cancer would probably do both of us in within a very short time. I could handle the crazy schedule, I've had that since I joined the work force 43 years ago. I'd probably enjoy the diplomatic challenges, too, and would love representing my country addressing so many other countries in their own languages, so as to let them know that America knows and cares where its own people came from (mimi nejué Kiswahili kidogo!). There was even some minor buzz about ambassador to Germany under president Hillary. I probably would have passed even if it HAD been offered, but would have been flattered by the offer, and I know the Germans would have loved an American ambassador fluent in German and with a German wife. They sure as hell hate the dork Trump sent them.
We are also feeling a little pleased with ourselves as far as our daughters go. The elder one (in NYC) is now engaged, and the younger one is juggling (successfully) being the hotshot youngest partner in her international law firm and mother of our first grandchild (May 25th) at the same time.
So, we may not have invented Spider-Man, interviewed JFK, given sex therapy advice to the Vietnamese or played in films with Humphrey Bogart, like my four friends listed above. But I think we qualify as having "done our damndest," given the cards we were dealt. I see so many anger-fueled posts on DU these days by posters who obviously lack things fate has yet to grant them. But there are also posts by people who are content with where they are, and what fate has given them. There is a quote in Shibumi on the subject that I'll have to dig up for you. We hope to have a LOT of those "smaller things" you mention left to enjoy, and hope to have friends like you and Peggy for a long time to come.
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