These ARE the good old days

When I was 15 years-old, a singer-songwriter named Carly Simon released an album and song called Anticipation. When I was 15 years old, I didn't pay too much attention to any song's lyrics. But I do remember that song's refrain, "These are the good old days."

Which meant absolutely nothing to me back then. Today, it means everything.

On one of the world's best websites, The Writer's Almanac, Garrison Keillor tells the story of the 19th and 20th century French novelist and performer, Colette. Near the end of her life, Colette said, "What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner."

For many of us, for the fortunate among us, no matter what stage of life we're in, Colette's lament and Carly's warning should be our inspiration.

They are mine.