THE GIVING TREE: STRIPPED OF EVERYTHING BUT STILL HAPPY

This is truly a story for the heart, so you may want to read it in a place where you are free to cry.

There was a song written by Neil Young that I used to love to hear as a young man. Some of you in my age group may remember it as well. It’s lyrics always touched me deeply.

• Old man take a look at my life
• I’m a lot like you were
• I need someone to love me
• The whole day through
• Ah, one look in my eyes
• And you can tell that’s true.

Now as an older man, caring for my aged parents in the final sunset of their lives, making a minor change to the lyrics seems more appropriate and meaningful. I know my Dad would sing it this way:

• Young man take a look at my life
• I’m a lot like you’ll be
• I need someone to love me