PAX Centurion - January / February 2013

Page 44 • PAX CENTURION • January/February 2013 617-989-BPPA (2772) Attention To all members of the Boston Police Relief Association – Active Duty or Retired If you need to change your beneficiary or you are not sure of who your beneficiary is you can contact the relief office at 617-364-9565. If you leave a message your call will be returned and if necessary the paperwork will be sent out to you. Thank you, William F. Carroll, Clerk, Boston Police Relief Association I attempted to lend some informed opinions and guidance to a younger Officer recently. After all, I’ve been in this game for well over thirty years and sometimes one likes to see someone get ahead without entering the same ‘pitfalls’ that you have climbed out of in the past. The response I received from this youthful Officer, that seemed to know it all, was not really shocking and I should have expected it, however, his question posed to me was a bit of a shock. This ‘expert’ in policing met my advice with some sour comments and then asked me: “so, what’s it like to be so old that no one listens to you anymore?” I pondered the question, remembering something I read long ago, so I share this with you. I realized that as I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself and others. I’ve become less critical of myself and have actually become my own friend. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it, If I choose to read or even play on the computer ‘til 4:00 am or sleep ‘til noon. So what if I decide to walk the hills in the winter or gaze at the stars. I will dance with myself to those great tunes of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will! I will walk the beach in a swimsuit that is stretched over a bulg- ing body and will dive into the waves with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the younger set. They too will get old some day. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But then again, some of life is just as well forgotten. Eventually, I do remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break; when you lose a loved one or when a child suffers or even when someone’s beloved pet gets hit by a car?You should know that broken hearts are what give strength and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived this long. Long enough to survive war. Long enough to have my hair turn gray and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into the grooves of my face. So many have never laughed and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive.You care less about what people think. I no longer question myself. I think I’ve earned the right to be wrong occasionally. So to answer that question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person that I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I’m here, I will not waste time lamenting on what could have been, or worrying about what shall be. I can only hope that you too get this old! Some thoughts from ‘The Old Guy’ Unable to make ends meet? Are creditors hounding you? Are you about to lose your home because of debt? Call us today to find out how FILING BANKRUPTCY might be the answer for you. Don Green Law Office of Donald E. Green (A full service law firm) 2235 Washington Street Roxbury, MA 02119 (617) 442-0050 • toll free (877) DON-GREEN As we have over the past 30 years, we offer a discounted fee to police officers Don Green Annette Hill Green LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME OR POSSIBLY RENT? I’m Here to Guide You Through the Process. My name is Billy Parlon and after 20 years on the job as a Boston Policeman, I know how limited your time is. Call me when you’re ready to begin your search. I’m a licensed real estate agent at Old Forge Realty 612 East Broadway in South Boston. 617-839-0984 email: bpd908@yahoo.com