I optimistically characterize myself as an “upper octogenarian”, which is to say I am older than President Biden. And I, too, have been wrestling with a problem. Background: I grew up on the water – lifeguard, competitive swimmer, sailor, rode out a Category 2 hurricane on a destroyer, canoed Cattaraugus Creek during spring run-off and so on.
Which leads to my problem: I need a lighter canoe. My current one is fine, but now it is too heavy for me to lift onto my car or over the beach as I always have. Yes, I can still paddle very well, but not as far or fast as I used to. My ability to cope with unexpected changing conditions is admittedly limited.
What should I do? Does it make sense for me to invest in a lighter boat and continue taking chances? Or should I accept the reality of my inexorably progressing age? It is a tough decision. I love being on the water and the paddle work which I can do so well, but it is not going to get any easier and it could quickly result in a tragedy. All said, I probably should conclude that I must give up solo canoeing.
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I hope President Biden can accept his reality, too. He should allow Democrats to field a capable candidate to defeat his regrettable opponent and lead our country away from the chaos promised by MAGA Republicans. Otherwise, we may be up a creek …
Andrew Graham
Buffalo