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It’s All Maintenance from Here
I figured I’d be at least 90 years old before I made this discouraging comment about getting old. My older friends have said that they have already set limits on how much time they allow for groups they visit to complain about their aches and pains, their doctors, their hospitals, their nurses, pulled muscles, raging allergies—well, you get the picture. If you’re not careful as you get older, your entire conversation can be dominated with mumblings and grumblings, punctuated with the comment, “Getting old isn’t for sissies.”
Well, I’m trying to nip this personality modification and distortion in the bud. Yes, my elbow hurts, my right quad is aching, my body is stiff when I first wake up, my wrinkles are getting wrinkles (notice how I snuck all that in there!) but I’m taking charge of my internal dialogue and my conversations with friends.
It is all maintenance from here. And frankly, that’s how G-d intended life to be. But by gosh, I’m alive! And I can still think for myself (mostly) and take brisk walks on the days I don’t work out. And when I do work out, I work my upper and lower body, every other day—a three-pound weight in each hand. And people still “like” my funny comments here on Ricochet—whether that’s out of pity or amusement!
The challenge is not giving in to “the lamentations.” First of all, it’s boring. Second, it’s boring. Third, it’s boring. And more than that, it’s like a bad rash that spreads and you can’t get rid of it. Did I say it was boring?
So, my aches and pains will be transformed into reminders of my maturity. My ideas will remind me that I still have some wisdom to share. Even my sad days can remind me to take time for reflection and serve as a reminder of my blessings.
* * * *
Where did all this navel-gazing come from? I think it started after we visited BJ’s and did our usual stock-up on bulk goods. I couldn’t help but notice the price tag after a fairly modest shopping trip. But the shelves were full, except for the pop-up tissue boxes. Then again, BJ’s doesn’t promise always having the same products, all the time.
But I thought about the weeks and months ahead. Eventually, there will be shortages. Prices will continue to rise. And I will periodically grumble about missing some of my favorite products. I may even indulge in an occasional rant.
But I won’t let the shortages consume me.
I grew up in a family where we had leftovers as often as we had fresh meals. A big chuck steak thrown on the barbecue was a big deal. Picking up freshly picked corn on Highway 39 and eating it as a main course was a luxury. We were never hungry.
And I live in the most abundant nation in the world.
I plan to make sure that I recognize that there will be some things I can’t control. I will miss some things. I may not be able to maintain my usual lifestyle, but I can strive to maintain my point of view.
In some ways, for now, it will all be maintenance from here. And it’s all good.
[photo by Maria Lin Kim at unsplash.com]
Published in General
@susanquinn, I thought you were going to break awful news, what with the “maintenance” and all. As opposed to repairs and a warranty.
Well, we could each use some maintenance. And frankly some repairs, too. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. I’ve looked forward to waving my cane at nonsense since I was six. BRING IT ON!
I’m two months from the big 6-0. Is that old? I’m feeling it. I’ve had this knee pain that has hobbled me now for a good month if not a little more. Finally today my wife says, “If you’re going to keep whining about it and not doing anything, I’m not giving you any sympathy.” Well. Is it a privilege of old age to whine about aches and pains? If I’m going to be old, I want all the privileges! :-)
Okay, you and @she have me fifteen minutes into this thing. Sheesh.
Y’noo noothin Joon Snoo!
You can whine, but you may have to find another wife! ;-)
So like my Auntie Pat. Any film, anywhere, is improved by the presence of Maggie Smith who, in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel had one of my all-time favorite movie lines–impeccably delivered, of course–one which is quite relevant to this thread:
I also vant to go to Flarida. ;)