A number of years ago I attended a pastors gathering in Toronto. A retired Pastor, now crippled by a stroke, sat along the wall on a chair, all alone.
In his prime he was a highly esteemed professor, author and preacher.
Now, he sat alone and unnoticed.
I walked across the room and lamented this lonely scene.
We chatted vigorously until the meeting was convened.
As we finished our conversation he looked at me and said; "Thank you Fred for the chat. When you're my age a good talk is better than a vacation."
Those words have stuck.