Though I congratulate you on struggling through a healing journey after suffering from a stroke, I need to tell you that depression, in the truest, most clinical sense of the meaning, is not caused by thinking too much about one's self. As a person diagnosed with Major Depression, I know that depression is more than feeling blue about one's self and life. Depression is caused by an imbalance in the chemistry in the brain. Some can function enough to still work and lead a pretty normal life, and are easily controled by medication, others are disabled, even on medication. There is nothing more I would like to do than to contribute to my community and world, have a good job or career and be able to contribute to my American dream family, but with Major depression and PTSD, I just cannot maintain that level of "normalcy", and that is what I think about. I cannot donate money to any big progjects or a whole lot of good causes because a $670 disability check doesn't even pay for a month's rent anymore. I wish I could do what you can and have done in your life. Maybe it wouldn't cure me but I think it would do a whole lot of good for my self esteem and confidence level. Keep giving. You will be alive beyond your life for giving to others, and helping them live their lives a bit easier at the same time.
What Old Age Taught Me
Now in my golden years, I've learned that you can't know how to live until you know how to give.
Member Comments
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Posted By: Helgerquest @ 08/12/2008 11:14:26 PM
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Posted By: ZakAlly @ 08/08/2008 11:20:33 AM
Mr. Douglas, we salute you. You are more a hero than you make yourself out to be. Like Spartacus, you have got back onto your feet after life's setback, dusted off your clothes and continue to forge ahead, despite your advanced age. We are truly proud to have had our screens embellished with heroes such as yourself. In an age when celebrities are no more than icons of flashy existence, you continue to give of yourself and enrich the lives of others. We truly salute you and wish you and Anne a long and enjoyable voyage ahead. Zaakir Ally (Erasmia, South Africa)
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Posted By: ZakAlly @ 08/08/2008 11:14:36 AM
Mr. Douglas, we salute you. You are more of a hero than you believe yourself to be. Like Spartacus, you have got back onto your feet, after life's setback, dusted off your clothes and continue to forge ahead, despite your advanced age. In an age when most celebrities think only of themselves, you think of others. May you continue to enjoy the rest of your life and may you have a long and enjoyable one. Zak Ally (Erasmia, South Africa)
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Posted By: steve02001 @ 08/06/2008 6:56:26 PM
I AM SPARTACUS!!!
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Posted By: steve02001 @ 08/06/2008 6:56:07 PM
I
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Posted By: Sean Fitzpatrick @ 08/05/2008 10:23:38 PM
Mr. Douglas - I am 38 and obviously one of your younger fans, although i don't feel quite that young anymore. Funny how everything is relative. Anyway, I just wanted to say that your line at the end of "Paths of Glory" totally encapsulates all the feeling of loss and yearning to see those long departed from my life, if only just one more time: "Let them have ten minutes more". I remember watching it with my father in the early 1990's, a Vietnam vet and someone who has long since departed, and him turning to me at the end and saying, "Sean... that's war".
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Posted By: Floridave @ 08/03/2008 9:57:28 PM
I don't think I have ever read anything before suggesting that growing old could be something to look forward to. A few weeks ago "My Turn" featured a fireman that was complaining about doing his job at the ripe old age of 50. Hope he reads Mr. Douglas' article. So many people complaining about aging, finally an expert on seniors who has something good to say and speaks from experience.
What I am really glad to read is that the things that are important to Mr. Douglas plan for happiness in the golden years are things that I too have always cared about: duty to family, America, and others. Great stuff. I truly enjoyed the essay, and if you are reading this Mr. Douglas... thank you for making the future look like a better place to go. And if that fireman is reading this... cheer up, the future looks bright. -
Posted By: foxe50n @ 08/02/2008 8:16:44 PM
Kirk, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on old age and agree with you. I'm 21 years younger than you but I know what it's like to have an old body and a young mind. Over the years I spent many an hour watching your movies and still today enjoy them whenever they appear. I finally admitted to myself I'm no longer the yopung stud I once was and, as you, have acceepted and actually embraced my seventh year. I for once in my life don't care what other people think)within reason) and pretty well shuffle along with a great wife and a super family. Remember young people "getting old is not for sissies" Dennis
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Posted By: foxe50n @ 08/02/2008 8:09:54 PM
Kirk,
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Posted By: foxe50n @ 08/02/2008 8:09:12 PM
Kirk,
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