Old age, calm, expanded, broad with the haughty breadth of the universe, old age flowing free with the delicious near-by freedom of death.

-Edith Wharton (1862-1937)

It is now officially my birthday. 22.

Isn't this moment just past midnight supposed to be exciting? Aren't I supposed to dwell on all the wisdom I have gained? Shouldn't I wonder at all the opportunities ahead of me?

. . . Then why is that I find a heaviness on my shoulders and a loneliness in my heart?