The continuing story of aging is one of loss. Not abruptly or all at one time, it is a slow, insidious process. The gradual loss of hearing and vision, a full night’s sleep, forgetfulness, and much more. Aging is, at best, a lousy, challenging time of life. To want to be old or to look forward to being old are the thoughts and words of someone who is not there and likely many years away from being old.
Those who claim to be looking forward to aging are, at best, ignorant of the aging process or, at worst, living in fantasy. How does anyone who has lived a challenging, creative life with its numerous ups and downs look forward to a sedentary life when once routine activities become uncomfortable or unmanageable?
Life is meant to be lived even as we age, and when we cannot do those relatively easy things, it signals the beginning of the end. We may see or feel what is slowly changing in us, and we can either accept this or choose to fight every inch of the way.
Being close to 97, I refuse to cease being who I have been all these years. But truth be told, I am not nearly the person I was. Old photos are a stark reminder of that. Still, my resolve is unshaken.
Yet the reality is undeniable. Helping to make the day-to-day possible are the people who fill our lives and give us the care we need but have such difficulty asking for. They made it possible for us to move to our new place and to make it as much like home as possible. They have taken charge, from hanging pictures to separating the essentials from what we don’t need and much more. They have undertaken all of these tasks we are unable to do.
To say we love and honor them seems foolish and light, considering all they have done for us. Our gratitude goes far beyond words; they and others need to know our love and appreciation for them and what they do.
Now, we are their children, as once they were ours. The role reversal is no accident. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Sy & Lenette