In "Crossing to Safety," Wallace Stegner reflects on the passage of time and its impactful changes on individuals. The desire to leave an unforgettable mark on the world often contrasts with the reality that the experiences and challenges of life leave their own marks on us. As we age, we grapple with feelings of inadequacy and confusion, recognizing how life has transformed us over the years.

Stegner poignantly captures the sense of nostalgia as we observe our once vibrant selves become overshadowed by the effects of aging. The vigor of youth gives way to a more contemplative existence, where moments of reflection are spent on porches or with canes, reminding us of the limitations that time imposes. The text evokes a sense of longing for the vitality of youth while accepting the solemn realities of growing older.