The Audacity of Youth.

*Don't take that path...it diverges into pain and regret*. Martin tried to redirect younger HIM to an easier path to maturing.

"Who are you"? Young him asks, suspicion ripe in his voice.

*I am you...many years hence*.

The younger steps a bit closer, still cautious. "This is trey weird dude - you do have a slight resemblance to me - are we dead or something"?

Older laughs. *We are certainly not dead - just existing in a twin, kind of dimensional zone - a parallel reality...so to speak*.

"Very interesting. So are you here to tell me or show me how to become rich or what"?

*That is a very reasonable assumption, but that would qualify as a sort of Insider Trading - I'm afraid the rules do not allow it. If only that were possible though...but, no - I can only offer advice and suggest directions which may assist you as you grow*.

"Why not, what is the point then. Would it cause a shift in the space, time continuum or something if you did'?

*Yes, something like that". I answered, impressed by his train of thought.

"Very disappointing indeed older guy. But tell me...

Did you listen to anyone's advice when you were my age"?

I blinked at the question...remembering the roads where this audacious youth beside me travelled...listening to no one - hell bent on chasing whatever ghosts or adventures laid ahead.

*I am just trying to save you from making the mistakes we made at this junction...had I avoided this fork - taken that one instead...who knows where it could have led us*.

"And where exactly are you now"?

The question stung like nettles under my skin - those jagged leaves and stinging hairs biting deep - for the years had not been without its trials.

I could not guarantee that taking the other road, more, or less travelled, will have a much better outcome than the path which I chose. But, somewhere along the byways and highways...there must have been less of a struggle than the ones I had to endure.

*To be truthful, I wish that I were in a much better place than I am now. Although now is not particularly woeful, but the journey has been harsh. Which is why I am here to offer some sage advice*.

"I wish to follow my own path...wherever it will take me. But thank you for caring". Younger me replied.

Well, he was polite, at least. That was reassuring.

*At least eat healthier meals and exercise regularly while you are still young, it may save you a lot of grief in your later years*. What was I thinking, Martin thought, laughing at himself, that never really helped much - but at least I tried.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha. Who cares about all that...you are old and have already lived your life, why do you keep pestering me about old people's troubles and woes? I have a long time ahead of me, before having to think about bad knees and farting a lot, like grandpa and grandma does".

Well, I never...I take that back on the polite bit. Precocious little...so and so, I am trying real hard to be civil. Martin huffed.

Youth can be so insensitive...although there were lots of truth in that argument. I know that I was being a bore and a hovering old fool - but I had to try.

************

And so I walked and tried to run by the side of my parallel, watching as HE ran, fell down, got up...cried, prayed, curse the day he was born and swam the entire spectrum of human emotions and frailties.

I reached out my hands to offer assistance many times...but he could not see me at this point...I was a silent voice whispering, buzzing like a bee which he simply brushed away and continued his solo journey.

Take my hand, I pleaded...let me help. He did not see me, or hear me. Or he just chose to ignore me.

Younger me flitted from lower schools to higher schools, it was not an easy road...he barely had any support, our parents were caught up with providing for a large family and just surviving. To his credit, he never concerned himself with self pity, the young me just tunnelled his way through all of life's obstructions.

I toiled with him on his first job - laughed with him on his first kiss - wept with him on his first heartbreak - saw him walk away from temptation only to fall prey to tricksters and those who tried to swindle him out of his hard earned savings.

But, he persevered...stepped to life's tunes and melodies, and mostly never turned a blind eye when a needy hand was extended for aid or helpful advice. I was proud of him in those moments especially...it helps to have a kind heart somewhere between all the rest of it all.

The years flew fast...Me, the younger, was fast catching up with Me, the older, in years lived.

Success at a respectable occupation. Serious relationship - marriage, white picket fence...children - tangled lives - regrets - mistakes - forgiveness - moving on. Human lives are messy.

Yet, there were wonderful times when, despite all the hardships, the well lived moments made life so wonderful -I watched happiness unfold like flowers blooming during those times...And I exhaled a thankful breath for being a part of it all.

*******

Then came the time when the children had grown, branched out like leaves from an oak tree and planted their own roots in their own independent soils. The home grew much quieter.

The grandchildren became a great source of joy. Their visits a balm to the soul. In the in-between their parents being too caught up in living to remember to call. But they tried their best. We understood.

Then came the doctor's, the ailments - the diagnosis of a partner. The pain of saying goodbye.

Martin, now my age, found himself all alone. The children offered a room in their homes. He declined. They now visited as often as they can, bringing cheer, food and heartwarming gifts.

Then...

Martin remembered me...reached out for me, apologizing for the rudeness of youth.

"I blinked", he said. "And one morning, I woke up old, creaky and cranky". We both laughed.

*I know what you mean. So did I*. I answered.

"Did you ever leave my side...I have not seen or heard your voice in a long time". My parallel asked.

*I have always been here", I reminded him. reaching out a still steady hand to touch his shoulders.

My hands were not trembling yet, like I saw my mother comforting my father's tremors which she did her best to hide from us. He tried concealing them in his pockets...but I saw them - and hoped, prayed that I could avoid having them.

And so we bought twin rocking chairs, placed them on the front porch, the world walking by, waving hello to twin old souls.

"Finally, I understand what you tried to tell me when I was a young fool".

"Uh, huh. You have to be one old fool to understand another old fool".

Both laughed at the other. At least we get to enjoy the time we have left to reminisce and enjoy the quiet times together. Old and young agreed.

"Amen to that. Hopefully we can advise the grandchildren".

*Nope. Heck no! We have learned our lesson. Let's just love and support them*.

"You may be right...they won't listen anyway".

Double Amen to that!