I’m going to share with you what my going on towards 96 is about. You must be there to know, and I’m there. Everything else is speculation. Anyone younger who believes they understand aging is blowing in the wind. So, pay attention, and maybe you’ll better understand your aging parents. I certainly hope so.
First, my body is wasting away, and any exercise seems futile. I weigh so much less, but I also eat much less. I’m shrinking before my eyes. At eighteen, I was 5ft,9in, and weighed in at about 180 hard rock. Today I am 5ft 6″ and weigh about 130. As for exercise, if the weather is warmer, and I mean warmer, I can go and enjoy relatively long walks.
Walks are something special for me because about four months back, I could not walk five feet without stopping to catch my breath. I used oxygen 24/7, even during sleep. Today, I am off oxygen and can walk long distances without any shortness of breath. Is this normal? Not according to my Hospice Nurse. She says I’m the rarest bird she has worked with. Oh well, that’s aging for me. But, as I’ve come to understand, aging is different for different people.
My mind remains sharp. I can write one pager’s as is this, poetry, and Haikus pour out of me. In other words, I’m still creative and feel that I can still enjoy genuine dialogue with the many wonderful people that visit and bring goodies, too.
What is clear to me is that aging is unique to those who are way up there in the years lived. I’m old and grateful to be here as I am. I enjoy each day as a gift. I know this and accept it as it is. “What will be, will be.” I’m okay with that.
Old is different—Each person that gets there, knows—It is what it is.
Sy
