TALK TO ME

I would love some comments or reaction to the things I write. Of course, I realize I am never controversial and only write about things with which all would agree. And when I am not walking the line of universal opinion, I’m telling a story. I know everyone agrees with everything I say.

I suspect I am also frightening people away from places like “The Home.” Old age is frightening in it’s own way. It is not for the faint of heart. It takes, courage, strength and confidence to enter this phase of life. I know I entered it earlier than most of you will (66), but my circumstances led me to believe it was the best thing for me.

I believe I could have worked longer — maybe one year longer. But I have been alone since ’92. I’m not complaining, but physically I was wearing out and I wanted to be nearer my grand kids (oh and my daughter and her husband as well). I wanted to be here before they were all in their teen years and became too busy for any adult of any type unless that adult was driving them some place.

I got one year with the oldest, but I’m making up for it with her. I have hired her to clean my apartment. Yes, I can still clean, but my motive is to be near her, teach her a few things and increase our friendship. It’s too early to know if I am succeeding.

I am a social person. I need to be near people. Living in an independent living home with common meeting areas seemed right. I assumed I would meet more people and have some fun. Little did I know the kind of fun I would have. I laugh everyday and often. I laugh about how silly many of the people are. I laugh about their gossip — and, yes, I have said some things just to see how fast it would get around. The answer is within a half a day.

A sample: my doctor believes some of my physical issues stem form lactose intolerance. It is no big deal and I had no need to make an announcement, but I decided to tell one well-known gossip just to see what happens. I mentioned it to her early in the morning and by Bingo at 1:00 I had been approached by nine people expressing their concern with most asking what I was going to do about pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is my favorite pie. Several people bring me pieces and we will get one in the Thanksgiving basket we get next weekend. I will eat it. I‘m too addicted to give it away.

I did find a recipe on line for a dairy free pumpkin pie. It doesn’t sound too bad. I think I’ll try it.

Living in a home is an experience. If you are sensitive and your feeling get hurt easily, I don’t recommend it unless you intend to hibernate in your apartment. Then it works and we have about a third of the residents we never see. There are people here I have never met and I’ve been here two years. But if you are like a duck and most things just run off your back, “The Home” is a blast.

I love being near my family and like not living with them. Their lives are too hectic and their house is too small for me to be part of their household. Besides, we all love each other and I want to keep it that way.