Driving to get groceries the other day, I met with two motorcycles, the 3-wheel kind. Maybe they call them tricycles; not sure, but right away I thought they are a safety thing for people “my age”! They certainly do not look as cool as a two-wheeled motorcycle but guess there are things that we must give up as some of the “coolness” for safety. That, of course, made me think about other compromises we make as we get into that older generation. I for one am already there!
When we moved to camp in June, the chairs seemed to have gotten lower to the floor, so I went and bought Gary a chair that helps him stand and one that sits higher for me. Our bed (mattress and box-spring) was purchased in 1972 and did not seem big enough anymore (after all, Willy sleeps with us) and he requires a fair amount of space , so while I was shopping bought a king-size bed for the three of us. Cannot believe I went so long squashed into our old bed. Great comfort!
I am an avid swimmer but last year started staying out of the lake a lot more as I was afraid I would fall on the hill and on the rocks getting into the lake. I did fall once last year (thankfully did not get hurt) and Gary was watching me. When I asked him why he did not rush to my aid, he said, “It looked like you had a soft landing!” My son and his friend have put a dock in for me with stairs at the end to get into the lake and some wonderfully sturdy railings. I have been able to swim almost every day (weather permitting).
I have found that my cane is a “help magnet” and so many have offered assistance in so many ways. Next door to our camp, there is a crew of 4 putting in a sea wall and they have offered so much help taking things from my car or to the car (there is a small hill), and they also told me if I need help in or out of the lake, give a shout and they will all be there to help.
So maybe getting older isn’t such a bad thing. Oh, I know it has its downside, but I’ll bet that all my “helpers” have been just waiting to put their helping skills into practice, and from one “older lady,” they are doing a WONDERFUL job. Thank you.
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