Getting Old is not for Sissies

Getting old is not for sissies! It takes a lot of courage and will power to move from day to day when the body is tired or sick. Things just don't seem to work as easily as they used to. The reflection in the mirror is not what you remember. If you are blessed with a long, full life, sometimes those last years can be a little lonely because friends and family around you may have left sooner than you. I have respect for older people. Remember the oldest group of men and women we live with currently, the Great Generation from WW II. Think of all the things they have experienced. More movies have been made about what they went through during that war than any other event in history.

Getting old has been very much on my mind because I definitely feel older and know the clock is ticking. My brother and I have been trying to help our parents as they've moved into the latter stages of my father's illness. I hope my children will do the same for me. These are decisions that should be made as a family, if one is as blessed as we are in having a family that will do that for you. Phil and I have been checking into different options to make their daily living safe and easier. But these options would be a big adjustment - again, another courageous change to make. But we've had some interesting experiences during our search. I will tell two stores.

We took a trip to Kansas City a couple of weeks ago. My brother found some senior living places for us to visit that are close to his home - other options. The first one was a rather fancy place with high ceilings and lots of windows. I felt like I was walking on a cruise ship when I came into the entry way. I think it felt more like being on vacation than a home. But hey, I could get used to that. The second one was older and needed some updating inside and out, but we were assured the renovations were just around the corener. The people there were so friendly and welcoming. Everyone knew each other. My parents were hosted that night by another residing couple. Dinner was planned, visiting time, and it was movie night for the residents. Somewhere in between, Dad wandered off and was lost in this huge facility with many halls and floors. The first night away and we lost him! My mother went up and down the halls calling and seaching for him. A card game was going on in one room, and they stopped playing and asked, "Who's Bob?" My mother responded, "He is the most charming, handsome man you'll every meet." One man pointed to himself and said, "I'm your man, I'm Bob!" The search party grew and soon my dad was found.

I met a wonderful man at a senior living residence during our visits. This is Mr. Bill and his cockatiel Tigger.

I've been back to see him 3 times since and I think I will continue to do so. Just look at his face. His face tells so many stories. Tigger was a donation to the people that live there and his cage is set up in the lobby area. He and Bill have struck up such a friendship that you will not find him often in the cage. Tigger rides up and down the halls with Bill every day. They take care of each other. Tigger eats and grooms and naps with Bill. The day my friend and I took these pictures, his granddaughter was visiting the two of them.

So, getting older is another chapter with new adventures and new friends. Keep your sense of humor and recognize the beauty in each day. As we are blessed in the aging process, we develop wisdom, faith, contentment, and courage. So if you are faint of heart, pull yourself up by your boot straps and get some moxie. Because getting old is not for sissies.

Track Mom!

I love to watch track meets! I've always been there for my kids during track season. Indoor meets feel like a 3-ring circus. You can watch so many events going on at the same time. Depending on the location of the indoor meet, sometimes the provided seating for the spectators and fans can be so close to the athletes. You really get to witness the sweat and blood efforts. Depending on the weather, an outdoor meet can be just as enjoyable. It reminds me of "field day" during the earlier school days and getting to be outside.

I remember a particular meet years ago when my oldest daughter (above, second to the left) was in high school. We lived in Colorado and it was a blizzard of a day as usual for spring sports. But I stuck it out with all of the outdoor gear and a heavy comforter. I just couldn't contain my excitement. I wrapped myself up, jumped off the bleachers, ran to the other side of the track in the middle of the race, and cheered Amy on. At that time, she was known as "AJ - the Bullet". I was positive she was a future Olympian! I'm sure everyone thought that I was an overly enthusiastic mother. What do they know!

Now that my son runs for K-State, I really get to watch some incredible athletes. My most recent trip to Ames, Iowa to see him in a Big 12 Tournament was very exciting. My favorite events are the relays, the hurdles, and the longer races. The races that have some distance give the competitors a chance for some long range strategies. Track athletes have such beautiful bodies and they are so graceful. They make the coordinated movements look effortless.

The wonderful thing about being there in the stands for your child is that it's a double feature. Not only are you there witnessing the moment, but you also have flashbacks and you get to rewind on all the memories. As a parent, you remember the special times that have led up to the present. All the yesterdays come back. When Sam was just 2 or 3 years old, we lived in a house that was built in such a way, that the little guy could go through every room in the upstairs in a big circle and never have to stop. His short little legs never tired. He'd run through the kitchen where I was always there cooking, and tell me, "Watch the clock Mama, time me!" .... and he was off. Lap after lap, round and around he would go. His legs would still be running as he fell asleep at night. Now as the big, strong, young man gets ready at the starting line, I'm still there watching the clock - again an overly enthusiastic mother!