Justice of the Peace and Joy
By Sandy Balayan
March 2026
There are so many clichés about getting older: it’s better than the alternative; live till you die; the best is yet to be; don’t die with regrets; ageing is just another word for living, and so on and so on. As I age, 72 on my last birthday, I start to believe that these sayings are not trite and trivial; they are true and the younger you are when you embrace them, the more life you can live each day. I myself have struggled with the thought of my own mortality and as it creeps closer, I have never wanted to live as much as I do now and enjoy each and every moment. I am blossoming and growing each day and learning to focus on what makes me happy. I’m going to dance like no one is watching!
Worrying about aging, or anything for that matter, is a waste of time because most of what you worry about never even comes to pass. The essence of the Serenity Prayer says it all: accept the things you can’t change and change the things you can. So, here are my changes. I hope sharing them with you inspires someone out there to grab the gusto.
Singing is something I have always enjoyed. I am good enough to stay in tune and I can read music, but I’m never going to be a Kelly Clarkson or a Pink, although I would love that more than I can say! I joined a group called Rock Voices, a no-audition chorus of people who sing just for the joy of it. The first night my husband had to push me into the building. I came out skipping. After a twelve-week rehearsal process, we put on a concert that was well attended. There are thirty of these choruses around the country and I go to the West Hartford one. I’ve made great friends and the no-judgement atmosphere is very encouraging. There are three twelve-week sessions a year. I’ve done two now, and it is wonderful. On week five or so, you can try out for various solos. Again, my daughter and brother worked with me and pushed me forward. By the time solo tryouts came, I was like “Why not?” Just doing it was an achievement for me. NO ONE was more surprised to actually get a solo than me! When I saw my name on that list, I freaked out. Really. I had a blast doing it, and several Otis friends came to cheer for me. I had the time of my life.
My latest venture is becoming a Justice of the Peace in Massachusetts. I was just sworn in and am ready to start booking weddings, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies. Heck, I’d even do pet weddings! I thought, what could be the happiest place to be besides DisneyWorld? (Not really, not a fan!) A wedding! That’s the most joyous day in a couple’s lives, so why not be there and share their joy? I hope to be able to help write the ceremonies, too, because as you know, I love to write. If you want to spread the word, thanks. I can be reached at sandybalayan@gmail.com.
Abraham Lincoln said it best, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” While I can, I plan to live and love as hard and as much as I can. I have a wonderful family and great friends and all of you, my loyal readers. I am one lucky lady.
