Your life: Readers share what brings them joy

Al Ross, of Midwest City, sends emails. He reminded me the first time he wrote was 2004 when we both celebrated our 65th birthdays.

In 2004, he told me he had been a child raised in poverty, homelessness and abuse. His dream was to own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. On his 65th birthday, he bought one.

Eight years later, Al still has that Harley, still rides it and has since added a 2005 Touring Harley, which has taken him to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, from Seattle to Washington, D.C., and to Gettysburg, Pa.

While Al's life on the other side of 65 has not been perfect, he always sets out to find his way back to joy. He exercises and stays strong so he can make those long rides, meeting new people and making new friends. He wrote, “I have come to understand what it means to not only have years in my life, but to experience life in my years.”

However, one size does not fit all, writes Linda Wheeler, of Oklahoma City. She reminded me that while dancing, lunching, volunteering and staying busy are good for many at retirement age, it's not for everyone.