Someday when I get old.....
By GreatMartin
@GreatMartin (23676)
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
December 10, 2018 11:38am CST
As a gay man I have had to make my own family and, sadly, I lost most of them during the 1980s and 1990s due to AIDS. Now that I am 83 I am losing whatever friends I have to old age.
I have all the 'papers' written out and signed but in the past 10 years I have had to change the person who was to make the decisions for me such as what happens if I have dementia, what if a decision has to be made regarding health care, what about burial plans, etc.
Okay why should i care what happens to me if I am dead or if I don't know what is happening to me? Do I want that burden to be put on someone I consider a 'friend'? What if I name an 'enemy' to make all those decisions?
I have done what I can to get 'ready' but.....
(In picture that is Franco on the right and me on the left on a TV show in the early 1970s)
While enjoying her seventh decade on the planet, Donna Personna knows her remaining days are numbered. Yet the prospect of her demise doesn't scare her.
9 people like this
7 responses
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
10 Dec 18
that was a very interesting link there.I am making most of my decision while still alive.
Mostly burial at this time.Getting rid of things that no longer want.
This is very hard for most people.But has to be done.Not sure in your case who you appoint to take care of matters there.
3 people like this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
11 Dec 18
5-6 years ago I got rid of everything extra that I didn't need--right now Allen, if he outlives me, knows to take care of everything--if not I've told a few people here to just take whatever they want.
2 people like this
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
11 Dec 18
@GreatMartin that is a good way to look at things.Why not
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
10 Dec 18
Look at those sideburns and jackets. So 70s dude. Your dilemma applies to many of us.
2 people like this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
11 Dec 18
That's when it was taken---1972--that was a rd, white and blue jacket!!! LOL
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
11 Dec 18
Very dapper guys in that photo. Your dilemma is a difficult one.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
11 Dec 18
Not for me--those I leave behind!! :O)
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
11 Dec 18
Making new friends when you are over 80---especially to take on such heavy duties--is not easy.
1 person likes this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
11 Dec 18
Those are some hard decisions to make. I have a son that is married but childless and I have hopes that he will not be alone in his old age. I am planning on my youngest son (12 years younger that him), and my granddaughter (who is majoring in the field of geriatrics) to look out for him, but you never know if that will work out. My husband and I were there for my uncle in his last years. He was fortunate to have good health and only needed assistance for cleaning and driving.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
11 Dec 18
One never knows who will outlive who and who will be there for anyone if anyone.
1 person likes this
@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
11 Dec 18
I have a question. Why would you make an enemy in charge..or are you saying you would not know if the person would be a good person after you pass. Do you want burial or cremation Martin. I know I will be cremated cant afford to be buried at least not in a coffin unless someone wants to bury my ashes.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
11 Dec 18
It is a lot of work and decisions for those left behind--a great way to get even with an enemy!! :O)
1 person likes this
@cindiowens (5120)
• North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
10 Dec 18
Just looks at those jackets and sideburns! Very handsome.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
11 Dec 18
Thank you---those were the good old days!! :O)
1 person likes this
