My story is nothing so consequential as the catching of a giant marlin and its loss to the sharks. My Manolin, is my friend and caretaker, Khone. Her compassion and unwavering care for me is something every old person needs at this point in their life. She is my companion who feels nothing but love, devotion and the duty of making my remaining life more comfortable.

I have a lot to be thankful for and feel lucky to have made it to eighty. Surviving two small airplane crashes and three serious natural disasters (2004 Indonesian earthquake and tsunami, 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami and 2018 Lao dam burst and flooding), I was there for all. Add a few off-road race crashes and I shouldn’t still be alive. Most all of my friends from the past are now dead.

Many changes in perspective follow your growing old. Hopefully you learn something from your experiences and have a clearer view of what is truly important. The things that I thought I wanted in life, are no longer wanted. The simple life I now live is the one that’s the best for me now. Seems simple, but it took 80 years to figure this out.

Seemingly random and meandering thoughts are also a part of growing old. I get great pleasure from reminiscing about my fondest memories. Just remembering them can bring me much happiness, health and joy.

Living in a rural Laotian environment has had a profound effect on my health. I walk everywhere. Only chemical free, non-packaged, fresh organically grown, herbs, spices, vegetables, fruit and wild mushrooms. Farm raised chicken, ducks, eggs and fresh water streams, with a wide variety of fish. You always know what you’re eating because you or your neighbor grew it, caught it or gathered it.

I’m surrounded by happy, kind and gentle, community minded people removed from politics, crime, stress and anger. A much better way of life for me. My path to health, happiness and joy. Hopefully this life style will help give me a few more years.