As we all know, being retired means having a part-time job addressing our medical issues. We visit the doctor at least once a week for various reasons. At least we have an electric vehicle, so we don’t have to spend a fortune on gas.
My honey has heart and pulmonary issues. As for me, I have a trifecta going on. Should I first address my balance issues, my hearing or my eyes? Isn’t there something I can do that would take care of all three? How about hearing aids that have a visual component and also address stability?
We all have to laugh because as we age, many things pop up. It’s like having a roommate. Sometimes they stay overnight, sometimes it’s just for dinner, and sometimes they move in forever.
I try to maintain a sense of humor about all of it because what choice do we have? If we give in to our discomforts, we are a drag to be around.
When we visit my mother-in-law at her assisted living facility, we see all types of maladies. Some residents are buoyant, while others are gruff. Thankfully, many try to remain pleasant.
Here are a few who stand out.
One lady I will call Pouty Petunia. I asked if she wanted to sit with us for lunch. “I don’t sit with people I don’t know”, I’d sure like to get to know her better.
Then there’s Absent-Minded Alice – so sweet, walks upright, always has her hair styled in a bun, but repeats the same stories over and over again. Still, she’s pleasant and far less annoying than Pouty Petunia.
Then there’s Quirky Carol, who loves to butt into everybody’s business. But she likes my jokes, so it’s enjoyable for me to sit with her. She always joins in when there’s karaoke going on, or dances by herself to any music that’s playing. She’s loving, caring, and watches out for my mother-in-law, Dorothy.
Dorothy continues to fade and says very little. She’s primarily focused on eating. I wonder how much she’d eat if we just kept food in front of her all day.
So I look at these people and I wonder what my future will be like. Will I end up like one of them? I hope not.
But until then, I’ve got three things to think about: balance, eyesight, and hearing. I’m sorry, what did you say? I can’t read your lips very well.
Wish me luck.