Growing Old

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As a kid, one of my favorite things was when we would visit Grandma and Grandpa here in Green Bay. I loved walking into Grandma's home, it always smelled great. She was always cooking something. Most often we would go on Sunday's because my parents had season tickets to the Green Bay Packers games. Grandma never looked old to me. She never walked with a cane. She never grumbled or complained about body aches or pains. Neither did Grandpa. I thought getting old was good and carefree. At least that was the picture my grandparents painted every time we visited. Grandma wasn't slow on her feet either. Neither was Grandpa. So, what happened to this picture of bliss when you got old and didn't need to work, and could garden and enjoy your grandchildren? My grandparents lived to their 80s and never complained once about anything. Well, Grandpa did but that was sports and politics. There was always an argument of some kind between Dad and Grandpa with Grandma restoring peace to the home. Why then do I live every day with knee and back pain? Why is walking more a chore than house chores? Why can't growing old be painless? When I wake up in the morning, I need to think about getting out of bed. How much pain will it cause to do so? When I stand to go into any room in my apartment, I need to think about walking instead of just doing it. I see slow people and congratulate myself that I move faster than they do. Let's face it, I might, but not by much. I envy people who walk at a normal pace, swim laps at speeds only athletes swim faster, who can keep up with their children but not their grandchildren. I envy people who don't talk about doctor appointments, medication, and short memories. The only place I'm young now is on the computer. My brain still functions well to write stories. I worry about the day I stop writing; when the mind isn't capable of cognition. The bones are old however the mind is young. I use a cane and take medication. Growing old is painful and definitely not for the faint at heart. It takes strength to be old, and I'm not talking personality but physical strength. Will the legs carry me today? Will my feet walk where they need to? Will I remember what I went into a room for? Then there is the character strength. It takes a lot of strength to put a smile on your face and tell yourself you're not going to let your body dictate your day. You will walk, swim, and spend time socially with someone today. You will talk without having to think about your words, and you will hold a good conversation. I will be the best me I can be, but only today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Do you feel the pain of growing old? Or are you still young and carefree? Thanks for reading. The picture is my grandparents, I believe it's their 50th wedding anniversary picture.