Home Stretch Lessons

The final of three casts is on. The Achilles is healing, and I’ll be home in twelve days. 

What a strange period of time this has been - a month ago, I was in surgery to put that pesky tendon back in place, then off to a TCU, and now a more independent respite location where I can wheel myself about with the rest of the senior citizens.

One big lesson coming out of all of this is that yes, I’ve entered the realm of senior citizen hood. Should have figured that out when we first got discounts at the movie theater, but it appears I’ve been so in my head with the busyness of life that I missed the advent of this distinction. 

Turns out it’s not just the availability of senior discounts or access to a remarkable federal insurance program called Medicare, or to the deference paid by colleagues several decades younger than I am. It’s the stark recognition that physical bits one could pay scant attention to in earlier eras now require tending and maintenance. 

Here in this Home, I regularly take meals with my cohort of seniors, being regaled with stories from former lawyers, doctors, U professors, and moms who all seem to have chosen this location to be closer to their kids. From New York, Wisconsin, or North Dakota, they have chosen to complete their life journey in a place convenient for visits by their progeny. And it appears some of that progeny is better about returning the favor than others. 

Again - a moment to note how lucky I am that my family is already nearby and pops over to just drop in as I work to hold onto being among the most cognizant here as well. Time and dates do seem to flow together when one is outside of normal.

I actually enjoy my discussions over meals as the food is excellent. There’s an accomplished chef who turns out three meals a day that even Jacques finds so enjoyable that he’s timing his visits with the 5 pm dinner hour. 

But back to the maintenance issue. The other day I was sitting at a table with a couple of 88 year olds. One popped out of her chair to go get another glass of ice water from across the room, and came back to complete the story she had begun before thirst called her away. The other lovely lady could barely lift her fork to her mouth, required two hands to hold her glass to her lips, and enjoyed listening to, but unable to contribute to, the conversation about her. The difference in the impact of the years appears to be the regular focus on exercise and movement that characterizes the life of my spry 88 year old friend. 

This afternoon, I’ll roll down to the lounge for a memorial video of a revered former resident who died a couple of weeks ago. Catherine did yoga every morning, and played piano every afternoon for residents, and displayed a vibrant sense of humor and engagement in her surroundings. I learned that she had gone to the building’s beauty salon one morning to have her hair done and told the salon owner that she had been exceptionally tired that day and was planning a nap after her appointment. She went to sleep and passed on with lovely hair in place at 102 years old. 

And that’s the lesson I’m taking away from this six-week experience in enfeebled and senior living. Stay active - physically and mentally. Be engaged with your community of friends and family. 

And always, always choose the fun when wearing a cast - now featuring our NBA Timberwolves colors for the playoffs.