My definition of Passion is as follows: A person's ardor and zeal (note A through Z) for an ideal, a way of life or a relationship that gives them happiness and complete satisfaction!

I am not referring to Mel Gibson's Passion. That discussion is for another time and another place. I am speaking more about the passion that Madonna, or Esther, has chosen to pursue. It is a search for a more meaningful way of life.

There is a misconception that as a person advances in age, their passion for life diminishes and is eventually lost. I beg to differ!

I take courses with many senior citizens and they are more thirsty for knowledge and experiences than I have observed in people one-half their age. Some of the areas of interest are writing, reading great literature, history, science and human relations.

Many of this elderly group have been starved for intellectual experiences during their earning years. "I was too busy making a living to enjoy the arts. Now that I am retired I want to smell the roses and partake in and develop an appreciation and understanding of the world's great literature and art," is a statement you will hear over and over again in retirement communities and condominiums.

Having lived through turbulent times, it makes them see the modern world with a more realistic viewpoint. They have seen Cold-Wars and Hot-Wars and they yearn for the peace and contentment that they feel is due them in their "Golden Years."

But they also want to taste life and painting, sculpting and woodworking, collecting stamps, coins and trains are some areas in which you will find seniors enlisting their time.

Because of life's reality they are a little more desperate than the younger guys. "How much time do I have left?" is a statement that is not uncommon. They say it while secretly wishing for health and good years to follow. Too many of their pals are gone and too many are sick and disabled.

Passion is not lost on the elderly. Don't ever think it is. They have a passion for their children and grandchildren and for themselves.

A motto that I see often, I will not go gently into that dark night!