I will turn 72 at the end of this month and I really don't think

[brakester]

74. MIButterfly has really touched

a nerve here and I heartily thank her!

I'm sort of gobsmacked at how many of us are in our 70s as am I.

I wonder how much this has to do with growing up in the repressive 1950s followed by the joyous awakening of the 60s and 70s? Those 3 decades had a profound effect on my soul.

In fact I remember having deep feelings as a very young child that something was very askew in America and that I was distinctively different. I was somehow strangely aware of my own identity at way too young an age. In spite of my strong belief in science, I find myself often musing about reincarnation. The elderly have gathered so much wisdom and experience for that to be wiped out by the finality of death. How much more advanced and compassionate the world would be if reincarnation were a reality.

The libraries and museums of the world serve that same purpose. That's why it is so important to contribute to that record, and that applies doubly to minorities and women.

That through line has persisted and strengthened in my life and I've had a profoundly satisfying life because of it.

DU is one of my favorite places because of the many meaningful and lively discussions here. I put that down to its well moderated forums. In contrast to the more mainstream ones that thrive on rancor and division that is noticeably absent here.

Thank you all! You are my Community."