A few weeks ago, I began to wonder abou the process of aging, and why it seems that certain people give up on themselves after a certain age. For some people that age is 40, for others it's 50, and still for others it may be 60 or 65. Perhaps the age has more to do with a mental milestone other than a physical occurrence or even a place in their life. It' s rare to hear of a person (at least in my unofficial survey) giving up the quest to live life to the fullest at the age of 21 or even in their 30's.
I remember when I had my 30th birthday, it didn't affect me any more than my 24th birthday I didn't think of the magical age of 30 as the beginning of the end of my life. I'm happy to say with each subsequent birthday, I've felt the same as my 24th. Sure, there have been some health challenges along the way; a coule of years ago, I blew out my knee while cruising to Nova Scotia with my Mom and sister, and last year I fell down at work and messed up my back, however, those two occurrences didn't steal my zeal for living and life.
A few months ago, I began looking at people of various ages, (mostly at church) as that is when most people seem to want to look their best (even though the loose translation of the Bible says, 'come as you are'). Let me digress a bit -- sure I want to look good when I go to church, so I spend more time preparing for church than I do when I go out on a date, to a Toastmaster meeting or event, or to work.
Back to my original point, I look at both the men and women and church. It seems that those people (both sexes) who have a real zest for life, seem to be in better shape (not necessarily slim and svelte, but most certainly lighter in pounds than others), dress with more style and panache (just my opinion), and seem to smile brighter and step with a bit more pride in their stride.
For me, I've decided not to give up on life, my health, or my happiness. I want to live my life to the fullest. My belief is strong that by giving loving, respect, and admiration, you will get that in return (10 fold).
I challenge each person reading this, to be thankful for every good thing that they have, and have respect for the lesson learned as we go through our trials and tribulations.
Showing posts with label living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living. Show all posts
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
When You Think of Antique, What Do You Think Of?
A few days ago, I was upstairs with my youngest son (20 y.o) and some of his friends, enjoying the remake of "Imitation of Life" (the remake from the 50's).
During one of the commercial breaks, we were joking about something... I think I mispronounced the slang term for marijuana; needless to say, the under 21 crowd thought that was hilarious. Similar to the laugh my friends and I had a few days earlier when my Mother said, "you know the singer Bounce say". After my son and his friends wiped their tears of laughter, my son said, "Mom you're so antique".
I thought about his use of the word "antique". Was this a new 'slangism' (that's my term for slang that I'm not familiar with), that I had yet to hear? My first thought was to challenge him to a jog off (to see who could run the farthest -- not the fastest -- after all, I may be crazy...but you know the rest...), but saner thoughts prevailed; I simply asked him what he meant. I found his answer endearing and flattering. To be called "antique" -- (in this new or is it his own vernacular?), means that you are precious, greatly valued, and one of a kind.
Although I consider myself a person who believes in the good of all people, that the majority of the population don't knowingly hurt each other, and that forgiveness is the greatest gift, we can bestow on each other, I was ready (for a split second) to take offense at the term antique. But then again, is it because when I think of old age, it scares me?
Many years ago, when I was pregnant with my first (of three) sons, the doctor told me that the best way to live a long and healthy life, is to exercise. Since then, I've been following his advice; however, this particular doctor died in the middle of a pap smear of a heart attack. Can you imagine how the woman felt? Speculum in place, when all of a sudden the next thing you feel is the doctor's head between your legs? Even to this day, I still laugh (thank God it wasn't me), at the image.
Like many of us, I should remind myself that every day is a gift. We should live our lives to the fullest, enjoying the great moments, relishing the special times, and (dare I say it), looking for the lessons in the challenges we face.
Most days, I wonder at the beauty of my world, my healthy children, a fantastic Mother who shows no signs of slowing down, a great sister, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, my Toastmaster family, and a plethora of other friends and acquaintances.
Am I afraid of aging? Not being able to run (jog) anymore.... Of living in a convalescent home? Having visitors only sporadically? What about the many horror stories of those confined to their beds, being tied down, beaten, and even sexually abused in those homes... My good Lord, it scares me to even think about the tragedies that can befall us.
Having children is not necessarily insurance against lonliness...as our children grow up and begin lives of their own, there is less time for us. Is it possible to make time? What's the key? That's the million dollar question.
My mother always said that you should have more than 1 child. This way, if something happens to the parent(s), the children can share the burden. I guess in a way that makes sense, however, the relationships between parents and children are always as close as they could be. At this stage in her life, my Mother finds herself driving from one end of the county to another visiting brothers (in 2 separate areas of town), as well as a family friend, and a host of church family members. She's putting more miles on her can visiting relatives and friends, than I do at work.
I'll end like I began, with the word "antique". My Mother is certainly "antique". I'm proud of her, (she was the first winner of the Channel 7 Jefferson Awards). My mother is precious, valuable, and the glue that keeps me sane. Through all of life's trials and tribulations, she has been my rock. I pray that I can be that same type of rock for my children, their wives, and my grandchildren.
During one of the commercial breaks, we were joking about something... I think I mispronounced the slang term for marijuana; needless to say, the under 21 crowd thought that was hilarious. Similar to the laugh my friends and I had a few days earlier when my Mother said, "you know the singer Bounce say". After my son and his friends wiped their tears of laughter, my son said, "Mom you're so antique".
I thought about his use of the word "antique". Was this a new 'slangism' (that's my term for slang that I'm not familiar with), that I had yet to hear? My first thought was to challenge him to a jog off (to see who could run the farthest -- not the fastest -- after all, I may be crazy...but you know the rest...), but saner thoughts prevailed; I simply asked him what he meant. I found his answer endearing and flattering. To be called "antique" -- (in this new or is it his own vernacular?), means that you are precious, greatly valued, and one of a kind.
Although I consider myself a person who believes in the good of all people, that the majority of the population don't knowingly hurt each other, and that forgiveness is the greatest gift, we can bestow on each other, I was ready (for a split second) to take offense at the term antique. But then again, is it because when I think of old age, it scares me?
Many years ago, when I was pregnant with my first (of three) sons, the doctor told me that the best way to live a long and healthy life, is to exercise. Since then, I've been following his advice; however, this particular doctor died in the middle of a pap smear of a heart attack. Can you imagine how the woman felt? Speculum in place, when all of a sudden the next thing you feel is the doctor's head between your legs? Even to this day, I still laugh (thank God it wasn't me), at the image.
Like many of us, I should remind myself that every day is a gift. We should live our lives to the fullest, enjoying the great moments, relishing the special times, and (dare I say it), looking for the lessons in the challenges we face.
Most days, I wonder at the beauty of my world, my healthy children, a fantastic Mother who shows no signs of slowing down, a great sister, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, my Toastmaster family, and a plethora of other friends and acquaintances.
Am I afraid of aging? Not being able to run (jog) anymore.... Of living in a convalescent home? Having visitors only sporadically? What about the many horror stories of those confined to their beds, being tied down, beaten, and even sexually abused in those homes... My good Lord, it scares me to even think about the tragedies that can befall us.
Having children is not necessarily insurance against lonliness...as our children grow up and begin lives of their own, there is less time for us. Is it possible to make time? What's the key? That's the million dollar question.
My mother always said that you should have more than 1 child. This way, if something happens to the parent(s), the children can share the burden. I guess in a way that makes sense, however, the relationships between parents and children are always as close as they could be. At this stage in her life, my Mother finds herself driving from one end of the county to another visiting brothers (in 2 separate areas of town), as well as a family friend, and a host of church family members. She's putting more miles on her can visiting relatives and friends, than I do at work.
I'll end like I began, with the word "antique". My Mother is certainly "antique". I'm proud of her, (she was the first winner of the Channel 7 Jefferson Awards). My mother is precious, valuable, and the glue that keeps me sane. Through all of life's trials and tribulations, she has been my rock. I pray that I can be that same type of rock for my children, their wives, and my grandchildren.
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