The Second Chapter

“ I shall grow old, but never lose life’s zest, because the road’s last turn will be the best.”

- Henry Van Dyke

Growing older feels like the end of an era. Since my retirement, there are no more alarms to set, no crucial meetings to attend, nor are there places to be, people to see. Now I get social security checks, Medicare, AARP, early-bird specials, and senior citizen discounts.

I can recall the hustle and bustle of my earlier life, but some days, it becomes hazier. What was all the rush about anyway? Clearly, I am bewildered. But, I do remember the days skipped by more swiftly than they do now. Before, there was no time left over after the day was done. Now I’ve got lots of time on my hands.

It’s one of the downsides to retirement. No one is waiting to see me or in dire need of speaking to me. The telephone remains silent for most of the day. Now that I am out of the work environment, I am here, and you can catch me anytime, night or day. I used to feel so important. It’s okay because I had my share of the limelight and can enjoy these quiet times.

Now the children are caught up in the whirlwind of life’s complications, situations, decisions, and working diligently to make a life for their family. Understandably, there is no downtime or extra time to allot to one’s parents. The grandchildren are tied up in school all the time and then captives for all the after-school activities. It’s tennis, soccer, lacrosse, horse-shows, ice hockey, etc. When is there any free time to call or send an email to Grandma?

Although it’s been slow and steady, I’ve noticed a few minor losses lately, like my vision, hearing, and memory. Hearing is a considerable loss to me. I used to be able to read lips or watch TV without the sound blaring. Thank God for the closed captioning on the TV and for the person who invented hearing aids. Not only do I understand what my husband is saying now, but we can also have an old-fashioned conversation, without what? Who? and huhs? Fortunately, I can now even hear my grandchildren’s giggles and listen to stories they have to share.

I tend to go with the upside of aging. I see myself as a mellower, happier, and more comfortable person and appreciate who I am. I’ve become more tolerant of my elders because I have reached their plateau. I have the freedom to read a book when I want, take a nap, or spend time with my husband exploring new places.

We have fun now, just holding hands, hubby and me, walking the mall, going to dinner and movies, and laughing about stuff we used to stress about. The only priority now is our well being, maintaining our health and quality of life. And most important, it is being grateful. I love my life, and I am thrilled to have someone to share it with.

All I have to remember before leaving the house is double check that I’ve got everything. Glasses, check! Hearing aids, check! Dentures, check, check!