Age is relative

I use this title not because I see my youth fading (which is certainly is), but because those 3 little words mean way more than physical beauty or vibrancy.
I am the mother of 4 grown children, and as such I can say that the infant I met and held in my arms, is the person I know today.
If you don't understand what I mean about "old souls", you will not understand this entire post. Before you become offended that I don't believe in God, I do. AND, I believe in second chances. I believe there is a possibility that we might travel through several lifetimes until we "get it".
My oldest son who is now 31, startled his young mother by continuously by remarking out the clear blue "when I was big", often when exposed to something new or visiting a place he had never been. That didn't happen with his siblings or anyone else I have known.
Each of my children are as different as snowflakes are to sand. I see the same thing in my Grandchildren.
Even as a young child, I felt like I "got it". By that I mean, when I saw little kids my age doing the wrong thing, or teasing another child, or making destructive decisions, I couldn't understand why. I don't necessarily think that it is all about how you are raised, because I see siblings that are so distinctly different with the same parents that that theory is disproved.
I would always chose to spend time with my Grandfather and older sister, than any of the neighborhood kids. I was in awe of his "old soul". There was a wisdom in his eyes and actions that was undeniable. He didn't need anyone to tell him who he was, or what he needed to accomplish, he just knew. He was kind, never boastful, he was generous, but never asked, he was artistic, but praised attempts at creativity.
He taught me the simple pleasures of life...quiet music, the smell of the earth, the excitement you feel when something that you plant and nurture grows, whether in the garden or in your home.
Being accomplished has nothing to do with the amount of money you make, the way you look, the possessions you accumulate, the number of times you see your name in print, or the praise you receive from anyone. It can be measured by the how often someone seeks out your company, or by the look of joy in your children or grandchildren eyes when you walk into a room, and especially how many times people seek you, and your advice.
You can't demand love and respect but you can foster it with your actions and your spirit.
Why do we think that what makes us successful is what we hear about ourselves? Find your inner praise, it comes when you do the right thing. Do a check list of your life and see where you were a giver and when you were a taker.
I guess the best that any of use can hope for is that we have love and are loveable, that we make ourselves not appreciated but appreciable, and not praised but worthy of praise.
How many more "practice" lifetimes do you have before you are an old soul?