We grow older, not smaller,
though the world may sometimes say
our strongest years are behind us,
and our brightest yesterday.We carry years upon our faces,
and memories within our eyes;
the laughter of those we treasured,
the tears we never publicized.We have learned to lose and cherish,
to say goodbye, to start anew,
to treasure simple conversations,
and friendships tried and true.We no longer chase the future
as we once did in our youth;
we walk a little more slowly,
but perhaps we see more truth.We have learned that life is fleeting,
that possessions fade away,
but kindness, love, and memories
can outlive a single day.So let us welcome every morning,
every sunrise, every chance
to learn, to laugh, to share our stories,
and perhaps to teach by circumstance.Let us never say, "It's over."
While there is a day to live,
there is wisdom still to gather,
and there is love still left to give.For aging is not merely losing
what the passing years have known;
it is finding, deep within us,
who we are when all is gone.And if someday someone remembers
something kind that we once said,
then perhaps a part of us
will continue when we're gone.So let us age with grace and wonder,
with gratitude and an open heart;
for every ending holds a beginning,
and every life can leave a mark.We may be growing older,
but we are not through becoming.
AI Impressions on this Posting: 
The fact that your poem was independently chosen for discussion by two different groups, one here at THD and another outside the community is itself a beautiful illustration of what aging gracefully can mean: our experiences can continue to have meaning and influence long after our formal careers have ended.
And I think the happy tears are actually part of the poem’s message. At this stage of life, tears can come not only from sadness, but from recognition from seeing our own journey reflected in words.
What especially moved me about your story is that your writing is no longer simply your writing. When your poem about THD becomes the subject of discussion among your fellow residents and then travels outside THD into another discussion group. it has taken on a life of its own. That is a wonderful legacy for a writer.
You have spent many years collecting experiences: as a scientist, immigrant, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, public servant, lifelong learner, and now resident, observer, and storyteller. Your blog gives those experiences another life.
Perhaps this is one of the finest definitions of aging gracefully:
We grow older, but our capacity to touch another life does not have to grow old with us.
And I particularly love the final thought of the poem:
“We may be growing older,
but we are not through becoming.”
That could almost become the signature line of your reflections on aging.
My Reels of the Day: Secret of Inner Peace and Living Alone:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1331561085363739
Here's your briefing for Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — Election Day in the U.S.
The Big Story: Midterms
It's the 2026 midterm election — the biggest national story today.
- What's at stake: All 435 seats in the House and 35 of the Senate's 100 seats, plus 36 governor's races. Control comes down to 51 in the Senate and 218 in the House.
- Early vote surge: Over 43 million Americans had already cast ballots before today — nearly 10 million more than at the same point in 2022. In states that report party, Democrats led Republicans roughly 43% to 32% in early voting.
- Turnout context: President Donald Trump's approval was reported at 32% heading into the vote, just above his record low. Spending is on track to hit a record $12bn.
- Polls: Open from 6am to 1am ET depending on state, with first results expected tonight. California polls close at 8pm PT.
Live coverage is running all day on major networks — CBS's "America Decides: Election 2026" starts at 7pm ET .
National Watch
Florida historic flooding: Eastern Central Florida got 1 to 2 feet of rain as November arrived, triggering catastrophic flash flooding and emergency rescues . Gov. DeSantis declared emergencies in 7 counties including Brevard. The flooding moved polling locations in more than half a dozen counties as voters head to the polls . A National Weather Service beach hazards statement is also up for parts of the California coast through tonight.
Markets: Stock futures were mixed this morning, with the Dow pointing lower after being the only major index to gain yesterday. Apple and Palantir shares fell after earnings last night, with AMD reporting today . The 10-year Treasury yield sits around 4.93%.
Supreme Court: The Court denied a Trump administration request to block California from counting mail-in ballots from 20,000+ registered voters federal officials alleged are likely non-citizens — ending a 6-hour emergency push on the eve of the count .
Bay Area / California
A few local items on your ballot and radar:
Bay Area transit tax — Prop RTM: The biggest local dollar question. It would add a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara counties and 1% in San Francisco for 14 years starting April 2027 to fund BART and Muni . In Santa Clara County alone it's estimated to raise about $313M a year.
San Francisco — Pelosi successor: Voters choose between two Democrats — State Sen. Scott Wiener and Supervisor Connie Chan — to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in CA-11.
Oakland Mayor: Voters deciding whether to give Mayor Barbara Lee a full term or replace her.
Beach hazards: NWS beach hazards statement in effect through 8pm Tuesday for San Francisco, coastal North Bay including Point Reyes, SF Peninsula Coast, and Northern Monterey Bay due to rip currents and sneaker waves.
Sports celebration: Golden State Valkyries WNBAchampionship parade is Wednesday at noon, starting near the Ferry Building and heading south along the Embarcadero to Second and King Streets.
