Evening

I just finished "The Man Behind the Mask; Journey of an orthopaedic surgeon" by Dr. Mallory
and I want to start my writing here with a few quotes from a man I look up to as having a wise and honest perspective of the "evening" stage of his life. After leading a successful career in orthopaedic surgery, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease nearly uprooted his steadfast character. After wrestling with the diagnosis and the options, he took an inspiring perspective to his condition that I want to remember:
"I am more history and legacy than I am actual reality. My physical impairments construct a barrier that allows me to translate myself to a more distant influence, which is less intense, less judgmental, less expecting, but nevertheless curious and continuing...I'm living a fulfilling life even in a failing body. I see no reason for cynicism, doubt or despair. I do not allow to take root in my mind any thoughts that might lead to depression. For myself, I have determined that depression, the modern-day mental illness, is a self-centered mind-set; it is seldom provoked but is tolerated as an attitude. It promotes preoccupation with self, and its effects can be reversed promptly when one considers others first. I attempt to capture depressing thoughts and reverse them; this reversal encompasses a fundamental sense of gratitude for what already has come to pass, and for the unshakable confidence in the present and the future, that life is an episode and not a condition." -Dr. Thomas Mallory, M.D.

That's a perspective I'd like to adopt...especially when the sun is setting, my eyes are getting dim, and the "episode" of my life is in its final encore.