Preference Order: Luxury, Comfort, or Style?

Among the three, comfort remains supreme for me. At the age of 77, residing in America, every day holds a gentle sense of fulfillment. Over the past decades, my wife and I immersed ourselves in various endeavors. We raised tobacco, worked at least two jobs, and contributed to both the Paris and the state of Tennessee’s efforts. Our life was anything but sedentary; most of the time, we were outdoors, exposed to every kind of weather. However, the real journey of my life has brought me to a phase where luxury and style hold little value.

In the Eye of the Storm: Post-Working Life

Our two daughters have both excelled in higher education, achieving great success. Now, it is my quiet, winding down years. There is no longer a need to chase luxury or engage with style. All my desires now stem from a deep-seated need for comfort. Exactly what is comfort? For me, it is a spacious, plush recliner paired with the warm glow of a 70-inch television. My evenings are spent lost in the nuances of basketball games and British mysteries streaming seamlessly through Prime Video and Netflix, all done in the company of my trusted companion, a 55-year-old wife.

The Sweetness of Simplicity

Comfort is not confined to the material possessions or leisure activities. It permeates into the routine of daily living. Attending church, visiting family and friends, and partaking in communal activities bring a prerequisite level of comfort. Comfort, in this context, has a broader spectrum. It is less about the latest technology or the most stylish attire, and more about those simple moments that bring joy and contentment. It is the hearty dishes cooked with love and experimentation, dishes that have earned their own audience and admiration, such as her spicy beef stew with a tomato base and a fiery kick of chili peppers. We savor the experience, relishing in the blend of textures and flavors that come from her cooking.

Living Without Haste

There are no pressing deadlines to meet. We don our watches only for the calendar of life, not the rushing minutes. We embrace the slower pace of life, finding beauty in the quiet moments. Music, be it the sweet notes of bluegrass, the nostalgic tunes from old rock roll, or the soul-stirring soundscapes of blues, brings a sense of comfort and connection. It fills the air with a tapestry of sounds that resonate with the soul, bringing a gentle nostalgia to our days.

Ultimately, my preference order is clear. Before luxury or style, comfort reigns supreme. It is the deep, abiding sense of contentment found in the simple pleasures of life. It is the cozy confines of a recliner, the warmth of a television screen, the comforting embrace of a beloved spouse, and the enriching aroma of a well-cooked meal. It is the unspoken comfort found in the embrace of tradition and the joy of shared moments. These are the things that truly matter.

Life, at this stage, is about finding comfort in the quiet corners, finding solace in the familiar, and cherishing the simple joys that come with a more relaxed pace. Whether it is lost in the game, a quiet night of conversation, or a meal cooked with care, comfort is the endearing togetherness of a lifetime spent together.