THIS AGING THING

THIS AGING THING For a long time we just ignore it, right? We go along, caught in our daily routines, losing track of the months and years that are literally flying by. Then one day it hits. I'm old. Let's see, how do I know that? Well, for one thing, I don't have the energy I once had. An hour or two of gardening with all its bending and stooping and pulling out weeds is enough. I can't push myself to go all day. Another thing: I can't be with friends, even friends I adore, all day long, constantly chattering. More and more, I need quiet time. Alone time. And perhaps worst of all, family members and friends keep getting sick and dying. It is the way of the world, I know, and not unexpected as I am now in my late 70's, but hard to take nonetheless. Our worlds are closing in on us. More and more, there is less and less I can do. My husband and I used to love going sailing for a week or two on Chesapeake Bay. Now we sail, but only with younger friends who gallantly share the load. We are very uch aware of our diminished strength, balance and stamina. Riding a bike? Maybe not. In recent years, my body has not wanted to execute right turns. I have no idea why this is. Driving at night? Less and less comfortable, though I still do it, but only in familiar places. Dinner at a favorite restaurant? Maybe not. Too noisy. What's the pleasure in sharing dinner with a friend if you can't hear them, or they you? So do I spend all my time whining like I've just been doing? Hell no, I count my blessings. My health, despite a few setbacks along the way, is wonderful. I am blessed with an adoring husband and loving sons. I have a bevy of stalwart female friends. I'm always finding new interests. But . . . she went on . . . it can all change on a dime. Which brings me back to the question of whether to move to a retirement community or not. I'm quite adept at listing the pros and cons of making such a move. The question is will I (we, actually) have the guts to decide or will we simply live out our lives in comfort, in old familiar surroundings? Stay tuned.