My son clipped a Polident coupon,
and gave it to me, I don’t know why but I saved it. The magazine Arthritis
Today, arrived in the mail, I don’t know why, but I read it. My last doctors visit;
he would frequently utter the words,”Someone of your age.” He looked like he
should be playing little league. I don’t know why, but I wanted to hurt him.
Celebrated my birthday, in a restaurant, at the same time a senior citizen
convention was held. I felt happy and I knew why.
Some people accept growing older
graciously, and some people fight it tooth-n-nail. However you feel about
growing older, we all have to face the facts. The facts are, things change.
Things such as, getting out of bed in the morning, has become your physical
workout for the day. Dyeing your hair is no longer done to make a fashion
statement, rather a necessity. Good support means more than just moral support.
Clean pipes has two meanings, and Drano can only be used to unclog one set of
pipes. Vicks and BENGAY make a pleasant scent when used together: you don’t
know why somebody hasn’t already bottled it. You have a child in elementary
school and one in college. You forget about the one in college, as you don’t
look old enough to have a kid in college. Suddenly, you watch with interest
commercials about Depends undergarments. Dressing “sexy,” now means pulling
your hair back so your earlobes show. After dinner mints have been replaced by
Extra Strength Tums, nightly. Spare tire - not just found in your car anymore. You
take offense to someone playing loud music. Then you take offense to the same
person, as they don’t speak loudly enough for you to hear.
Exercise doesn’t energize you the
way it used to. You lie down on the floor to do sit-ups and you fall asleep. I
swear, I was asleep no more than a minute before my husband found me. Gazing
into your loved ones eyes requires you to put on your glasses. The words what
and where make up a large part of your vocabulary. “Hey, kid, what is
your name? I know you live here, I’m going to remember it eventually.” Where,
now where did I park the car? Beverages such as Metamucil and prune juice have
become your drink of choice. You believe every restaurant should have them
listed on the menu. You’re accepted the fact that an iron can’t remove all
wrinkles. Some wrinkles aren’t just found on your clothes anymore. Realizing
you’re talking to yourself isn’t as scary as it used to be. Happily, you carry
on the conversation as there is no one for you to get into an argument with. The
sad part about growing older is when your husband looks into your eyes and
says, ”Let’s go to bed, early, tonight.” What he really means is, let’s go to
sleep, early, tonight. The saddest part however, is you know what he means and
you’re so happy, you could cry.