I recently got to spend some time with two people who have immersed themselves in the wine culture.
So, I’ve been sipping the good stuff, from grapes and in life.
Father Gordon Gilsdorf described that analogy beautifully in this poem:
On Being 50.
Wines grow bitter with age
or better.
50 is a vintage year, the best:
Sunshine and rain enough,
the perfect grape.
One fear only now, the bottle
going empty
Or the chance sudden spill
of it all.
So let us raise the glass
while we can,
Feel the glow of the grape
and love.
I love that poem, first introduced to me by my mother, Peggy Kostelnik. She also introduced it to Jerry Kramer, who then used it in his book, Distant Replay, which thrilled both my mom and Father Gilsdorf.
We should consider every year after 50 a vintage year and treat ourselves to the good things they offer.
Sipping the good stuff should be both our reward and our intention. Why waste time wallowing in other people’s sour grapes? We’ve learned what the good stuff is, so it’s easier to filter out petty annoyances and bitterness.
Family, friendship, laughter, faith – these are the things that matter. Good health is a privilege we should toast every day in our vintage years.
By now, our roots have grown deep and the fruits of our labor robust. How lucky we are to spend our days on this good, rich earth and among the people we love!
P.S. Many thanks to Vinnie and Danni for the fine wine, great conversation and the use of these beautiful pictures.
