September is still my New Year’s.  The streets are bustling with a back-to-school vibe.  I was almost late to a doctor’s appointment last week because I had to get by Boston University students clogging the streets with their moving back activities.  But I love seeing the excited and somewhat lost looks on the freshmen (who by the way, get younger every year).

And I too go back to school.  I’m lucky to live in a city with many opportunities for retired folks to learn.  In downtown Boston, for example, Suffolk University welcomes older auditors to their classrooms.  Peter once talked himself into a wonderful seminar at Boston University—I’m sure the students related to him like a grandfather.  The opportunities are there—one must only ask.

This year I am auditing a class on “Loss,” not just loss of a loved one, but loss in general.  It’s only met once so far, but the teacher seems great, and I think it’s worth leaving the house way before my usual morning departures twice a week.  I will try to do the reading, but if I don’t, that’s OK too.

At my age, it’s easy to focus with regret on the things I can no longer do.  I find it helpful to focus on the things I can.