Old Age Not For Cowards
My handwriting is getting bad, more shaky, and less legible. When I write in my journal in the mornings, as I do each morning and have for most of my life, I often skip lines instead of writing on each line. Makes it easier to write and to see. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be. In fact, print seems to get smaller, and I rely on my iPad more for reading books than I used to. With Kindle, I can make text the size I need it for that moment.
Last year, I needed new glasses. Not a surprise. When I returned to pick up my glasses, I knew I’d have some waiting time. Not a problem, I thought. I’ll bring my iPad and spend my time reading. I walked into the establishment and handed over my glasses. (They were using the same frames.) I pulled out my iPad and turned it on only to realize something important. I didn’t have my glasses. Everything was a bit blurry. I had to shake my head at myself. Nevertheless, I turned on my iPad and by making the print huge, I could read. Can’t do that with a print book. I was very thankful to receive my new glasses. All part of growing older. I need to laugh at myself at times.
As a child, I noticed how shaky an elderly acquaintance’s handwriting had become. I struggled to read the handwriting. Now it’s my turn. As I tell younger persons now, “Getting old is not for cowards.” Why?
Every year, every month, and every day we face less agility. Energy flags and naps lengthen. Even when we want to continue some work or activities, we may not be able to. My health last year dictated that I let go of some things I enjoyed doing and that I am good at. Two of those things were putting together the weekly prayer bulletin for our church and creating the newsletter each month for Kearney Christian Women’s Connection (KCWC). Each took creativity and energy and time which led to exhaustion.
I don’t have the energy I used to have, and I find it takes me longer and longer to do less and less. As for doctor visits, they dot the monthly calendar for both my husband and myself. As though we didn’t see enough doctors, last year we added a heart doctor for us both as well as a back doctor for Keith.
Still, I view this as a blessing as well as a frustration. It means our health needs are being handled. Each day I wake up, I give thanks for another day. Whatever comes, I face the day with gratitude. After all, I’m still here. I still get to hug my grandkids and spend time with friends and family.
Besides, whatever comes I know God cares, He is only a prayer away and He’s got my life in His loving hands. I awake and often Psalm 118:24 comes to mind. “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I look up and smile. I wonder what today will bring.
(C) 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Scheidies column published in Kearney Hub 2/10/24
Feel free to share