All life cycles have a beginning, middle and end. In the beginning we, just like the animals, plants, stars and machines, are created. In the middle we all function. To function successfully requires proper care, feeding, maintenance. There can be a thriving. That is followed by the inevitable aging. Aging of anything includes eventual physical and natural degenerating. Plants wilt, stars dim, machines corrode, people have aches and pains. Meanwhile modern medicines, sciences, and conveniences have enabled us to lengthen our lives. These changes have been both positive and negative. We know so much more today about our physical world than those who preceded us. The longer we live the more memories we have. It is natural to remember and reminisce, and it can also be very gratifying to enjoy today. It is very easy to live in the past, plan for the future and exist in the present. I like to listen to the song with the words "These are the good old days". Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why they call it the present.