I’m getting a better idea of part of the aging process. I mean really aging; not just aging so you go buy a vacation home, new spouse, sports car, faster boat or new parts for the current spouse. I mean aging as in graciously accepting a door being opened, a bag being carried, or a guilty pleasure gift being given. It took me over 20 minutes for my (full) first shower in three days a couple days ago. Not the wasting time, scrubbing pieces and parts, admiring yourself shower. I mean the one from strip down, basic, light scrub, hobble out and (nearly) fully redress. Twenty minutes is a long time. I suppose, however, when you’re aged as referenced you’ve got nothing but time so it doesn’t matter as much.
Ninety-six hours have given me more consideration for the struggles of some of my aging relatives. While some of us may rush a conversation directly to the next personal event on the calendar or that of our kid’s I certainly get why the Aunts, Uncles, cousins, parents and grandparent(s) first topic is the outcome of a recent physician’s appointment or the impact of the winter on their ever-aching joints.
As for the real friends….some have have immediately stepped up to:
- make sure the process went smoothly (it did)
- help with a couple AMPS+ chores,
- haul me around to get in a bit of entertainment (2.5 * for Cedar Rapids – the movie –go, it’s worth the 100 minutes),
- bring over a couple guilty pleasures–actually multiple, several over four days
- make quality food to last a week, at least a week
- host a bit of entertainment for a night
- offer to fill some free time over the next week
- collectively overwhelm me with care, aid and positive thoughts.
And this is for something voluntary….elective. I wonder how many BFFs or FB friends would do the same…… While far from the most social of the bunch I’d say I’m not the most anti-social..although clearly among the more old-fashioned. Tough to beat a scenario when a real friend shakes a hand, drops off hours (or even days!) of entertainment or grabs a pup for a walk to lend a hand. Sure takes the sting out of being grounded a few weeks. Point: Real Friends.
Wag – More
Bark – Less