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Blog archive

September 2026

August 2026

Triumph Over Tragedy
08/31/2026

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained/Lost
08/30/2026

A Gallery of Neighbors: The Village Art Group’s Group Show
08/28/2026

A New and Improved Way to Stay Safer Online
08/28/2026

A Trip to The Geffen Galleries
08/28/2026

Barrier Free Living - A Path to Living a More Independent Lifestyle
08/28/2026

Conversations with Art
08/28/2026

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
08/28/2026

Member Connections with Music Conductor Bill Bing
08/28/2026

Pasadena Heritage Walking Tour
08/28/2026

In Their Hands
08/23/2026

Ease of Being: Managing the stuff of everyday life
08/20/2026

A Tribute to Fire Debris Remediators and Their Super-Sized Dump Trucks
08/18/2026

Really Irene?
08/15/2026

There Is A Risk
08/09/2026

2026 Year in Review
08/03/2026

A Message From Your Newly Elected President
08/03/2026

Neighborhoods Within the Village
08/03/2026

Reflection from PUSD Intern Isabella "Izzy" Roberts
08/03/2026

Reflection on Service & Joy from 2025/26 President Dick Myers
08/03/2026

The Villager Engagement Team Welcomed 54 New Villagers
08/03/2026

Treasurer’s Report
08/03/2026

What Activity! The Cultural Activities Team Report
08/03/2026

An Even Exchange
08/01/2026

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January 2026

Across the Waiting Room

By Edward A. Rinderle
Posted: 03/11/2026
Tags: ed rinderle

I recently wrote a piece called The Waiting Room.  In it I raised several questions.  For instance:  “Did I make the right choices?   Was I kind enough?  Did I fulfill my purpose?    What was my purpose anyway?  And finally:  Is there a time to back off from the fight to live longer and just “be”?  And “How do I know when to start making that transition?”


It is now January 15, 2026, just over a month since I posted that piece, and I think I have made some progress in answering these questions.  Here are my most recent thoughts.


Have I made the right choices?  I'll never answer that.  Different choices could have led to a “better life” or perhaps a life not so good.  Either way, I suspect that most of my choices have helped me along my journey while doing some good to those around me.


Was I kind enough?   What does kindness mean?  It's different in different circumstances.   I have accepted that I've tried to look out for chances to show kindness and will continue to do so.  And that in some cases my kindness has done some good.  I am satisfied with that. 


What was my purpose?   I think that my searches for purpose have been fruitless,  mostly.  It's not so much something I do as something I am.  


Did I fulfill my purpose?   If I try to assert my purpose, I am likely to fail.  If I relax and just be myself, my purpose will find me and lead me to success.  

I realize that giving up the fight, by being still, by just being me, will allow for my presence to influence others in ways that I may never fathom.  That is plenty good enough.  


When should I start backing off?  I already have.  


A while back, a friend asked me to dinner.  We had a lovely time just talking about this and that.  At dinner's end as she reached for her credit card, I asked “Can I contribute anything”.  Her answer:  “You have”.   In a nutshell, that is fulfilling my purpose.

The doorway across the Waiting Room is getting closer every day.  To my surprise, the closer I get the warmer I feel.  I can almost feel myself start to rise from my easy chair with arms open wide.  My exit is coming soon.  As I approach, joy fills my heart.  

“Be Still and Know”

 

 

 

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