Waiting to die

Spoke to my friend who is 98 years old today. Apart from having help from his daughter with shopping, he doesn't see much of his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren. Proving my point that having kids is no point. By the time you need them (as they needed you), they aren't there for you. I was glad to hear he doesn't drive anymore. The only reason he doesn't is that he had a stroke about a year ago. He is entitled to a taxi service, which he has used less than there are fingers on my right hand. He does his own cooking. He has cleaning help every 3 weeks, which is what I have too. And apart from speaking a bit slower than he used to, he is crystal clear in his head. He's just bored, and had just about enough of life. It is such a shame that nobody cares to document his life. He was born 1912, and he has so much to say. Imagine the stuff he's gone thru in his life! Two world wars, a career, a family. Experiences that we could learn from. And even though he's not completely forgotten, it's almost. Because younger people are busy living their lives. Including myself. I asked him what he would like to do if he were to take a drive. His answer was to go to the cemetary, to visit the grave of his wife and parents, where he will soon be. I asked why he doesn't and he said that the taxi service cost money. He has worked for 50 years and this is what he gets back from a country where taxes are at a maximum. Shame! Anyway, we agreed on that there shall be no money left when he goes. Have a feeling he will book that taxi service tomorrow.