Yes, we like you! You've definitely been one of my guides for aging - More so, many of your commentors helped me through my dad's illness. We "met" years ago through our mutual respect of Globe columnist, Donald Murray. Keep on writing. Love and hugs.

Thanking you again, Ronni. Yes, you have made a difference just by gathering information about aging, and sharing it with us, and by giving your personal experience as you decided to stay truthful and curious. When I lay in bed the other night, feeling like I was dying (a bit of anxiety as well as possible physical problems) I thought of staying aware of everything, seeing what it would be like. And then I woke up after a bit of rest. However long I have, I am glad that I can approach life and death with awareness and hope to reduce that anxiety the next time.

We really like (love) you Ronni dear as you continue to inspire and share your wisdom, your strength and your hope.

As we say out here in Newfoundland - long may your big jib draw.

XO
WWW

I think everyone should be able to aspire to be whatever they want to be. But I'm afraid I also think that nurses, teachers and mothers all make more positive differences in the world than anyone in the media ever did.

I've just finished reading Wednesday's post. And lady, you sure bummed me out. I so wanted your story to have a fairy-tale ending. The one where the doctors were wrong and all you had was a bad cold. But fairy-tales are for kids, and we are far from that. This virus thing has made me think about my own mortality more than once as of late. And I have come to the conclusion that I'm not ready to die yet. I came close a few years ago and I didn't care much for the idea then either. Stay strong Ronnie.

Dear Ronni,
Your blog has greeted me since you were in the Village. You have shared an amazing amount of wisdom and research about the politics of aging and your own life changes and challenges. Saturdays are always fun and Sundays' music from Peter Tibbles Down Under has been a gift, as well. I am truly grateful for your generous work on our behalf. I will continue here indefinitely with gratitude for each post.
Love and blessings,
Faith

Your (latest) inspiring post reminds me of Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote:

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."

For years now I have read your post first thing over coffee every morning you have published it. Your honesty and straight talk are invaluable to me.

You are 10 years older than I am and have helped pave the way for me, not only for my own aging trail, but also in regards to my parents' (now passed) lives and that of my 75 year old ailing husband.

Thank you, Ronni.

As one of my friends noted on FaceBook, “the world will be poorer without Ronni”, so it’s good to know that as long as you’re here, and beyond, your blog will be here.
You bring a lot to us old people and younger ones have quite a bit to learn from you.
Please don’t go too soon, I’d love to read your comments on the next election.

I didn't comment yesterday, because I tend to get a little self-conscious when I read all the inspiring comments by others. But I'm here, having been following you for years, and I continue to look forward to each post with real anticipation. I loved your two posts about your psilocybin experience and have gone back to read them again and share them with friends. We are "of an age" and I know that I am in my twilight years, even without a major illness. You have helped me figure out how to spend these years productively, which means keeping my friends and family close, and continuing to blog about my own efforts to find meaning in life.

Ronni - Love your continued interest in the people who enjoy your postings. Please accept the following as my effort to both say I understand the winter season of life and thank you for your honesty.

The chronologically challenged of our day are the most *discriminate of people I know. This is a product of living in the USA which worships youth and all the potential that entails. When I was a teenager in the 60's we would say never trust anyone over 25. I'm fast coming up on 50 years past the age of 25 and have absolute proof of the wisdom of that prejudice. "Whatever happens" and then we find ourselves more sensitive to the noticing our own poignant transgressions that we once overlooked. You would think all people would become more vigilant to do what is necessary to prevent others from the bitterness of discrimination and from other negative feelings that arise within us. We the aged must not let our growing awareness of our own sinfulness discourage us. Instead we must fight our own human nature more effectively with such heart warming knowledge. We must learn to love the one you are with, and all other people in close proximity. 
We can begin an upward spiral for all of us by realizing that people are most important to our Republic being successful, and that corporations are not people. Corporations are by construct only interested in money, the root of all evil.
Now onto to the confession part of this missive as to my being an aged. I'm presently building my last ride. That ride is in the shape of a toe-pincher coffin, which is generally understood to denote a funerary box having six sides. The coffin will not have any metal parts in keeping with some Jewish tradition and is being constructed with cedar wood from Michigan.  The wood was donated by one of my high school classmates, who said he could think of no better use for his rough cut lumber. The news of this last ride has been received with a rather underwhelming response from family and friends, most often a statement is prefaced with "I can't imagine doing that myself." Or the all time favorite of some aged "I have better things to do," which is not ever to be confused with reading their bible...etc.
The gates of eternity are fast coming into view and with a joyful heart this old veteran is preparing to cross over, into....heaven or hell you may ask? 
*Discriminate to make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, sex, or age.  

I didn't comment on yesterday's extraordinary post because I felt that everyone else said whatever I could say -- and better. But I was so touched by your follow-up comments today, finally acknowledging the remarkable impact of your passion and devotion of the past 16 years. Frankly, I think it is a uniquely female 'thing" to minimize our own accomplishments. I'm so glad you are giving yourself this "Sally Field moment" (your sense of humor is still intact, I see) -- however belated it may be. Thank you for all your priceless contributions.

What impresses me most today is the courage of your decision. And the timeliness of it is a bit mind-boggling.
Yes, I've been following for a long time, too. Partly because of you, I now host a Salon on aging...or did before sequestration. And blog about it, too.

But it is your courage of today, in making the decision to believe, that will stay with me. I've got that decision to make, too. I've spent my life, most of the last 50 years, with self-worth neuroses and tons of various therapies and I am now on the cusp of deciding that I may be worth the space I take up on this planet. It is turning out to be the most difficult choice I've faced.

So, Yes! As far as I am concerned you have most definitely made a difference.
I will never forget you while I am alive. <3

Still out here...still reading you...still important part of my week. Thanks so much for writing this blog. You have touched folks beyond the first round of readers as most of us talk about your posts to many, many people. Hang in there! Terry from Texas

I am a daily reader of your blog who rarely comments. I want to verify your blog comments today by letting you know you have brought insight, information, resources and much more into my life. But, also, friendship. Having read your blog for several years makes me consider you a friend—a very helpful and caring friend. I wish you were not facing the terminal health issues now that are with you. I think many comments from your followers have made you realize how important you have been to so many. In other words, your time and research and devotion to this blog has been a gift to us all. Thank you.

My sisters and I never miss you column and your insights and ability to express them so adeptly are appreciated beyond words. Your “scribbilings” have strengthened us, inspired us, and made us laugh. We are so much on the same wavelength that we feel like you are a member of our family! Yes, you have accomplished your teenage aspiration: you have made a huge difference! Thank you, Ronnie!

Bravo, Ronni !
I, along with all the other commentators here, view this generous sharing of your journey as a model of a life well lived.
What more can anyone ask for ?
We are all indebted to you . . . Wishing you peaceful days.
Gin

Another welcome post. Thank you. So glad to know that your writings will be available for another five years--good for you for checking into it, and good that it was offered without cost! Each day brings its own challenges...but rewards, as well, even if sometimes we have to look to find them.

Carry on!

Ronni -- I first came across your post when I turned 65 and wondered what it would be like to be that age and beyond. You and my fellow readers have given me far more than I ever expected. Please take that in, as it sounds like you're doing now.

I thank you for helping me not only be present to your dying process but also to have the strength to endure the heartbreak and growing pains of the America I love while I listen to what I might be able to heal us.

Thank you for your guidance and transparency in all the above.

When your blog was recommended to me by a friend I thought, yeah, I'll check it out, I'm aging and could use some support. That was several years ago and it's the only blog I follow. You've created a delightful and addictive cocktail of intelligent humor, cultural tidbits, musical gifts and honest observations that I try to never miss, especially in these isolating times.
Reading Time Goes By seems to be what I do. I start my day with you. Thank you and it is a comfort to know that I can revisit any time and maybe read posts that preceded my joining. Like picking up a favorite book of poetry for inspiration, I'll visit your blog. I would say that you definitely fulfilled your youthful dream. You are amazing!

For myself , you have definitely made a difference in my life & it seems that is true for many others as well. It's wonderful that you have realized your teenage dream!Your life has been very similar to mine, still is, & I have learned so much from you about how to approach various aspects that are inevitable. Your perspective, humor, honesty & the way your mind works have all been an inspiration to me. I am so glad that you have decided to keep writing this blog for as long as you are able. May you be inspired for a long time. Gratefully, Ann

Peace be with you.

Thank you for ensuring your blog will continue on.

No one knows when the curtains will fall. My estranged friend was the youngest, and healthiest, of our group and thought she'd outlive us all. Her parents have outlived her.

Blogs such as yours are shine a light far into the world. Words written from the heart come across with great clarity. I know that after my bereavement I searched the internet for information, insight, understanding .... and stumbled into the blog-world. There are many blogs but some really strike a chord. It is to these blogs that I return time and again, as I would to a trusted friend, for solace. And the comments sometimes offer pearls of wisdom from people of all ages and across the world - I like reading them.

My personal thanks for saying "dying", rather than "passing" or "losing". Dying is a fact of life, as is birth. I don't want to live forever, and happy to go while still living independently. My mother used to say old age isn't for sissies. I knew that before and now, in my own sunset years, can attest to it.

Peace be with you. Be assured your words will continue to shine a light into the world.

I wish I could remember how I found your blog? I had been searching a few years ago for retirement blogs, aging, older women, etc. etc. and someone had a link to yours. In fact, I think you may have shown up at more than one site.

Your blog is very well-written with solid research. It's the only retirement/aging/older woman blog I follow. I love it. I am so grateful for it and you.

Yes, you do deserve every bit of joy our words bring to you. You did the heavy lifting for the rest of us, with your research and your analyses and your sharp mind. Sharing your blog has been your gift to us; I'm so glad you can accept our thanks with a smile on your face :-)
a/b

How lovely would it be for the talented followers of this blog to form a group to keep things going, a succession plan if you will, for Time Goes By. No one could replace you, Ronni and this blog consolidates, curates, and comments on information for and about the aging community in a way no other resource does. The reason it works is that it is personal. You have always owned your opinions and experiences rather than simply cutting a story gleaned from Reuters or AP. There must be people in this group willing to continue writing on this blog to keep this valued and valuable resource going.