What is it that attracts us to others?  I don’t mean just any “other”, but one person in particular?  Especially when we are further along in the 2nd half of the journey and certainly moving rapidly on the “chronologically maturing” scale!

As I took my noon break on the back porch in the warm Indiana spring day; I thought about this and decided I needed to write it now - rather than later.

What prompted the thought process?  I got a message from another “Russell (Watson) addict” in the great state of Texas.  She introduced herself and shared a little info on her background and that of the US moderator for the official R.W. Forum.  What got my attention was the fact that the moderator (in Hawaii) is 84 years of chrono-maturity!  Gee, I thought I was a wee bit too mature for such teeny-bopper behavior.  Not only is the moderator well into the 2nd (or perhaps 3rd or 4th) part of the journey - but so is my new friend in Texas (any friend of the Russell is a friend of mine you see).  And furthermore, I get the impression that many of those who gather about the Forum on a daily basis are of our vintage!  It got my creative thought processes rollin’.

Why would women mature enough “to know better” suddenly find ourselves drawn to a person much younger than many of us.  I remembered the Elvis ‘graze’ when I was in my teens; and shortly after that the Beatles ‘graze’.  And I recall going into a deep depression following the untimely death of my then heartthrob - Indiana-raised JAMES DEAN!

But I was a kid!  Well not a kid, but young enough to feel it appropriate to be enamoured of the latest international sensation and not be embarrassed or apologetic for it.

Now along comes the ‘later in life’ phase when most of us settle into thinking that the hormones have left our DNA and lament that little or nothing truly excites us anymore (except maybe a brief glimpse of the Scottish lad Sean!).  After all - we’re far tooooo mature for such childish things as a crush or whatever one calls our Russell-addiction.

So in my best chrono-maturity, I decided to try to analyze this phenomenon and give it shape and form.

The truth is, the hormones never leave our DNA - they just hide until the moment or the person is “right!”  I think it has to do with a deeper appreciation for life as we move along the maturity scale.  I also think we are attracted to folks who have tremendous God-given talents and abilities and use them well!  After all, regardless of who the person is - we know the Author of the gift.

Perhaps in Russell’s case, it is what appears to be a genuine wholesomeness that is rare among internationally recognized talent these days.  Perhaps it’s the smile and twinkle of eye when performing and obviously about to say something incredibly funny.

Try as I may, I can’t find the words to wrap around my weak analysis.  In my case, it may be that I have daughters and gained sons via marriage - and if I had a son, I’d like him to be. . . . you know the rest! 

Whatever it is, it’s great!  I remember my wonderful dad used to get chastised by mom for making a typical male comment about a gorgeous female star.  Her “Herm, at your age!” was followed by his smile and dancing eyes as he thought of the perfect retort -

“Well, E.E. (her nickname), at any age, I can look and dream what it would be like to ‘touch’.  And when I no longer want to do that - I’m DEAD!

Perhaps that’s the answer!  As long as life courses through our bodies, we will enjoy the ‘look’ and even dream of the ‘touch’.  And when not even that occurs - we’re dead!

Ah, we are wondrously made!  Thank God that we never grow so chrono-mature that appreciation for beauty, talent and integrity cannot overtake us and leave us marveling. 

Or leave us wishing “oh if I were just 30 years younger & 30+ pounds lighter about the middle. . . !”

Well, we can’t have everything - but as long as life flows, we can look and savor the gifts that are ours to admire and enjoy!

Admire and enjoy great gifts and considerable talents in your day!

Linda