On Getting Old -- 17

The trek to “70” is not easy on many different levels, and the search for the daily candy is strenuous.

We’re facing another difficult situation. My mother, Madeline, achieved her 91st birthday this past January. Wonderful, you might think. Unfortunately, her health has deteriorated rapidly over the past five months. She has been in and out of hospitals and rehab institutions during that time. Mom lay in bed staring at the ceiling wondering where she was.

Two days ago we had to come to grips with the decision of choosing hospice for Mom. The family discussed this matter at length after considering the input from the medical staff. We opted to choose hospice.

Even though Mom expressed the desire to die, signing the piece of paper that committed her to this course of action was extremely taxing. One wonders if you are playing God. Anyway, we moved forward.

Her mouth is constantly parched, and being able to drink nectar-thick fluids is not satisfying. As we were reminiscing about old days, I told her the story of an old friend. His mother-in-law was in failing health and was constantly dry of mouth. This woman took to sipping beer to moisten her mouth. One day his wife was concerned when she saw her mother nearly comatose on the bed. Our friend leaned over and smelled her breath and assured his wife that there was nothing wrong with her mother. She was only drunk.

Well, Mom had a good laugh at the story. Before I left that day I told Mom that I would bring her a Budweiser the next day. She laughed again.

Her laughter was my candy for the day.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 16

The day was a little overcast but the enthusiasm of the throngs of men, women, and children remained bright. Anticipation filled the air on the Main Street of our community. The parade approached. The Stars and Stripes led the way followed by the old timers – the veterans who fought in the wars. Another Memorial Day, another time to show our thanks for the brave men and women who helped make this day possible for us.

For me a parade is synonymous with excitement. But this parade has a special meaning. It represents the greatness of our nation. I’m proud to see those old-timers with their campaign pins stuck on their hats and vests. Unfortunately that group is a dwindling one. Some of the younger men and women do march but not as many. Hopefully in future years the young people will replace the older ones. These younger men and women deserve our accolades also.

Following the military personnel were the local politicians eager to get their names before us. Then came the vehicles, some older than the people leading the way. And a parade cannot be without the local high school bands. The bulk of the remaining stream consisted of the groups [boy scouts, girl scouts, librarians, the senior center, and on and on] who function in the community. Along the way clowns and people of all sorts toss candy to the crowds. The youngsters along the route scramble for the sweets as if they were nuggets of gold. Little did they know the children were a part of my "candy" for the day.

The parade terminated in front of city hall and the reviewing stand. After the last of the bodies marched by, the vets and politicians congregated in the grassy knoll in the center of town at the Memorial stele for the final service of the day.

My candy for the day filled me not only with happiness but with pride also. God bless this great nation of ours, the United States of America.


Ciao

On Getting Old -- 15

The candy today is bittersweet. We came to the end of our stay with Chris, Yvonne, Calvin and Emmett. The joy and happiness of the past week will live in us forever. The time passed too quickly. But we must return home.

The limo picked us up. Through the open window we wave our goodbyes to Cal and “M”. Showers of kisses are blown to us with tiny hands. A tear fills the eye this soon-to-be old man.

The gentle tug of the baby’s hand, their calls of Grandma and Grandpa, the pleas to be picked up, the races around the house, and on and on – these memories will live within us always.

As swift as these cherished moments flit by, so does our life’s journey. The approach of that 70 and beyond is certainly being sweetened by the memories.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 14

Today we had another adventure with the grandchildren. Today we went to the zoo.

Our first stop was to feed the ducks. Emmett couldn’t toss the food pellets very far, so before long we had a gaggle [a bunch of ducks isn’t a gaggle, is it] of ducks by the fence. The intense concentration in the baby’s face was worth the admission.

Our next stop, the petting zoo, is Emmett’s favorite. Up close to the animals brings out the wonderment in the children. What goes on in their minds to see these creatures and to touch them?

Later we took a little respite from the walking with a sky ride. Momma Yvonne sat with her boys on the fifteen minute trip over the park. Cal was the old hand on the ride, but Emmett made his first trip at the treetops.

The day was filled with one piece of candy after another. I must remember to keep that child-like inquisitiveness every day of life. We all can learn from the children to reach out each day for those new experiences.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 13

A beautiful day in Phoenix. We opted to take a hike on a small mountain. Calvin chose to walk up “Dodge Ball Canyon”, our son’s nickname for the more difficult of the two paths up Thunderbird Mountain. Oh well, if Rosemary and I don’t survive, at least we had a couple of good days with the family.

The temperature was ideal, the upper 70’s. The first portion was quite steep with loose rocks. Emmett and I brought up the rear. After a quarter of the way up he couldn’t climb any more. Soo, I carried him. At one point I didn’t think I had to worry about seeing the calendar flip to the 70 year mark. But, I made it up by handing off my precious package to his dad for the last few feet.

We tromped to the top while being spurred on by Calvin. The sky was bright blue, the air was clean, the view exhilarating, and the company wonderful. After that trek I think I’ll make it to the magic 70.

Later that day our oldest son, Uncle Walt, had to go home. At least we were given an extra piece of candy – the sight of him with his two nephews.

Today’s candy was not only enjoyable, being with the family, it was healthy.


Ciao

On Getting Old -- 12

Today our Emmett turned two years old -- a piece of candy in itself. But, the best is yet to come. A call for birthday cake had both of our grandsons running to the table. Spiderman candles adorned the ice cream cake. Emmett’s hands couldn’t wait for the completion of an off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

One candle for Emmett and one for Calvin to lick off the frosting. Emmett dug into his slice of cake with gusto – whipped cream covered his tiny nose. No problem either with shoveling the cake into his tiny mouth.

Little did he realize the gift he gave us on this his second birthday. The cake could not match the sweetness of today’s piece of candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 11

Today we watched Calvin at his tennis lesson. We were amazed at the dexterity he’s developed from last we were with him. He was hitting forehands, backhands, and even overhead shots. Of course his Mom and Dad have helped him along.

The vision brought back memories of Cal’s Dad growing up.

The multiple pieces of candy these days certainly make the path to 70 less bumpy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 10

The door to our bedroom at our son and daughter-in-law’s home swung open at 7:00 AM. Framed in the doorway was the silhouette of little Emmett. “Grandpa”, he called out and grabbed my finger. He pulled me out of the room to start playing.

Let me tell you, I have never been tugged so hard in my life. The tugging wasn’t on my fingers. It was on my heart.

The sweetest candy I have had this year.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 9

We visited our son, Chris, and his wife, Yvonne, in Phoenix. The occasion – the second birthday of our youngest grandson, Emmett. Now let me tell you, for candy to sweeten the way there is nothing like spending time with your grandchildren.

We had not seen the family for five months, and the joy when the oldest, Calvin, opened the door and jumped into our arms with a big smile and a bigger hug lightened our spirits and returned the bounce to our step. Naturally, little Emmett followed his brother’s lead. We nearly crushed the boys with our hugs. [Hugs are good. They are candy in themselves.]

Needless to say we spent the rest of the day following the boys around. We had to see and play with all their new toys.

The wait to see the family was well worth today’s candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 8

This day’s piece of candy is more like a full box.

We completed all our rehearsals and now await the call for places for the opening of the play, “Murder on the Orient Express” at the community theatre. The adrenaline was so thick you could stir it with a spoon. The cast twittered with anticipation that first step on stage before an audience.

The lights went down, the curtain opened – lights up! There I was, the conductor welcoming each cast member in turn to their place on the train. The show proceeded with pace and energy. Before we knew it, we were taking our bow at the end.

The exhilaration of being on stage gives one a tremendous high. When you’re into the play, you’re in a different world. No longer do you think of your daily problems, no longer do you think of your aches or pains, no longer do you think about that struggle toward seventy years old.

At a party after the performance the cast assembled at a nearby diner and pub to share in the accomplishments of the evening. Eight weeks ago a group of strangers got together for a common goal – to perform in a play. These people of diverse backgrounds melded into a unified team, each complementing the other in a selfless effort.

The layers of candy this day were extra special. Not only did I feel the emotional high of being on stage, I knew the sense of accomplishment of doing a job well, and most of all I met and interacted with people who can now be called friends.


Ciao