Lois Wyse: ThirdAge Insider

Every morning I read the obituaries. It's not because I want to know who died, but rather because I want to know who lived. I love biography, and what better biography than a summary of lives so well-lived that they merit immediate headlines?

My recent favorite is the obit of Paul Mellon, heir to the banking fortune, who turned his back on the Mellon Bank and turned his attention to art, country life, and horses. Isn't that what we'd all do if we had the time and money?

Not necessarily. Look at the lives of others who have been given too much too soon. Look at the misspent years. Read about the fast cars, the numbing drugs, the overkill (both literal and figurative) of celebrities, and we realize that a man who collects art and books, who races horses, and who donates money to worthy institutions (without having his name carved on the front door--or even the back door) is a rarity in today's world.

When Paul Mellon died in February at 91, he was still collecting. As a result of the generosity of his long and fulfilling life, our children, grandchildren, and their children will all marvel when they visit galleries, museums, and institutions of learning in the coming millennium.

And hopefully they will learn, too, about this man whose very life was a lesson in dignity, charity, and humility.

Thank you, Mr. Mellon.

And thanks to all the readers who've been sharing memories these past weeks.

Today's first letter comes from someone whose memory predates World War II.

This Week's Memory: Losing a Hero, Finding Fulfillment This Week's Advice: Demand Justice from Abusive Mother

Want to comment or ask a question? Write to Lois Wyse, WYSE WORDS, 22 West 23d St., New York, NY 10010, or contact our support department.

More about Lois Wyse.

Missed a week? Peruse past editions.