We celebrate the beauty of flowers in full bloom—their vibrant colours, soft, delicate petals, wonderful textures, and scent. Then their colours, petals, and scent fade, becoming less vibrant, soft, and fragrant. The flowers are on their way out, soon to be placed on the compost heap. Rather than seeing these as signs of decay, I see a second life unfolding, transforming what was before. These flowers reveal aspects of themselves that were previously hidden. There is a new beauty in the changed colours, textures, and shapes, continuing to offer us a source of knowledge and fascination.
And so it is with our society. Celebrating youth’s freshness, vibrancy, hope, and strength, we mourn its passing, seeing only wizened skin, slowed thoughts, and physical infirmities, which draw us closer to death.
But like the flowers, there is much to cherish in change. Still, a life remains to be lived. Still, contributions are to be made. Still, wisdom, love, inspiration, and beauty are to be shared.
Still.
