Each of us wants to be independent as long as possible. The key words are “as long as possible’. We must also realize that there comes a time when we can’t be independent any longer. It might be easier for some, but I find it very difficult to be dependent. At the same time, I am thankful there is someone to do the things necessary – when I no longer can.
Being a “do-er”, it is not easy to realize that I won’t be ‘doing’ everything much longer. As I near 87, I am aware (I wish I was not) of the list of ‘little things’ that gave me a sense of independence is getting smaller. This is difficult but reality hits us in the face.
I move slower but I thank the Lord I am moving. Slower is okay. I still have great ideas; glad that I am open to those. Several other things have changed. In the past I enjoyed cooking and baking; now I don’t want to cook. Unbelievable !!! I have little appetite; often eat alone, which is no fun.
Because my vision is failing, I can’t read several books each week as I did in the past. I seem to be a misplaced person that few would miss. I still do laundry, shower and dress myself, then I think to myself “Why? You are going anywhere”.
I could still get speaking dates but I stopped driving and, again, that ‘independence’ doesn’t want to ask my son to drive me. He would but I don’t like to ask. Then again, I think of the many out there who need to hear words of encouragement. I can easily give these but i don’t receive any such words. My family seems to tolerate me and whatever idea I have but I still sense that, “Well, Mama, there comes a tine” —- implying, to me anyway, that I should hang it up and just be.
I am not good at ‘just being’; I want to use my God-given abilities to urge others on; those who might otherwise, ‘just be’. I want to be an example of what I am saying. I’m not going to give advice that I would not follow.
It saddens me when I see people my age simply waiting for the day to end. Being old doesn’t mean we have become stupid. I know for a fact that one can be or act stupid at age 30, 40. 50 or 60. Even in my mid eighties, I get new ideas…and am thankful for them.
One of my latest – and I think best – is to publish a weekly “Letter from Lura”, filled with encouraging words to those of all ages. Everyone needs to be urged on, encouraged to be the person she (or he) was meant to be.
Great article by Lura Zerick! It has given me such encouragement because of my ‘condition’. I, too, have reduced mobility and loss of hearing in one ear due to a cerebral meningioma (benign brain tumor). My balance is such that I wake up dizzy and go to bed dizzy. I use a cane when I am out of doors. Nevertheless, when I reviewed my situation I have much to be grateful for (it’s not cancer; I can still take care of my personal needs; I have a nice place to live, etc). But, the first of this year this condition seemed to get worse. I thought that altho I an 81 I am too young to be old; and suddenly I felt ‘old’. Lura’s article helped me to put my own situation in perspective and has given me the impetus to ‘keep on keeping on’. I am getting out more (I still can drive…locally) instead of curling up and going to sleep. I know I will enjoy and be encouraged by all the articles in this website. Thank you for accepting me as a member.