You say that
you are getting old. So what can I say? I am 81 ! Incredible, but still a fact.
In no way can I understand this strange situation. So many times I have been
really seriously ill. So ill that those around me never supposed that I would
recover and get up. So many times I was in danger in the mountains, in the
desert, on journeys, in stormy weather at sea, and also from many tribulations
and spiritual wounds, which perhaps no one can escape in our time. And what a
wonder! I pray that you too will remain longer among the living. 'Old age is
no joy', they used to say at one time, but still it can be a period of
exceptional importance. On the one hand, it can make possible many deep
experiences, and on the other, it can be a preparation, full of both fear and
exultation, for our departure from here: from temporal things to things immutable
and eternal.
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