My Voice

I'm an ordinary, softly-aging female baby boomer ...and this is my voice. I would like to be on a beach somewhere (warm), gazing up at the endless-dark night sky counting a million stars. Since that's not possible tonight, I'll talk and give you my take on things.

Life changes...
I know that my life will be changing again - possibly sooner rather than later - and I do not always welcome change gladly. My mother is gently approaching the end of her days...hopefully not for years yet, but I know it is not something that can be staved off or that we have any control over. As our time together grows shorter I find myself alternating between remembering childhood days - both my own and stories mom has told me of hers - and reflecting on Life in general. Wonder what I will be like if I am lucky enough to live to be her age (she's currently 93 and 1/2). I'm hoping I will stay energetic, alert and healthy.

Healthy...well that will be a topic for another day! For now, let's just say that while I am presently in decent health, I do realize that I am going to have to start seriously working at improving my health if I do want to be active as I grow older. I'll let you know how I do with that.

But back to mom... she has been able to live on her own, with no help, up to this point. Yes, we know we are extremely fortunate. She's going to be spending the next month or so with my younger brother, then a month (or so) with me, to give a stress fracture in her hip time to heal. Our hope is that the fracture will heal without surgery and that she possiby will even be able to return to her home. We are well aware that the latter may not be possible, but her will is strong so we are not counting that option out.

This will be a challenging time as we learn to cope with the changes she is facing (there have been occassional signs of mild confusion and her eyesight continues to deteriorate) - and we adapt to the new strengths required of us. Mom needs care now, but it's equally important that she still feel useful and independent... loved but not smothered. Hopefully this is also a chance for us all to renew our bond. We, her children, generally only get to visit with her a few times a year since none of us live in the same city and having her with us now is truly a gift and time that we will all treasure.

That's my take for now. Enjoy your evening - Jo

Single for years (twice married and divorced), I was laid off twice last year but was extremely fortunate to only be out of work a total of two month (hmmm, hadn't noticed the theme of 'two' before!). I currently share my home with my grown son and one (fortunately not two) mildly schizoid cat, and will be sharing my take on things here.