Oh yeah, life goes on
long after the thrill of livin' is gone.
- John Cougar (Mellencamp)
I remember as a boy running for the simple joy of running. Now I can’t remember the last time I broke stride, just for the joy of running (even before I lost that ability). When did I lose that joy, that thrill? What others have I lost over the years? Which ones are waiting to be put down?
I try to think of things to say to Mom and Dad to motivate them to do the things I think they need to be doing in order to slow their regression, and get frustrated by their lack of cooperation. I want it simply to be a matter of choice, a decision that they have made. If it is a conscious decision, then maybe they can be convinced to change their minds. Then maybe it’s something that I can do something about. I’ve always wanted life to be that way.
I still do; It still isn't; Is it?
2 comments:
Very introspective, Pat. I think we begin to realize how vulnerable we are as we get older which, in turn, affects our carefree attitude towards life...I also understand your frustrations with Mom and Dad. We cultivate our habits through the years and at their age, such habits are all but impossible to break. Watching them has been a lesson well learned as I've become considerably more conscious of my habits in regard to taking care of my health and staying active.
"Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege."
I guess it is our natural inclination to want to hold back death, especially of our loved ones. Instead we should try to be at peace with the inevitable. I'm still not ok with my own aging. The BPPV hit me where it hurts. My own physical limitations, in my face. I'm still having trouble accepting that, it's a process. Babette's right, we can't change Mom and Dad, but we can still learn from them. I want to be in a senior facility before I need to. Hopefully I'll find one with all the fun people, and Led Zepplin (or Mellencamp) piped in over the audio system.
Post a Comment