A step down is when I notice that I have lost an ability to do something I could do before. I didn’t have the strength to work all day out in the heat of summer.
I had another step down at 65. I can’t remember what that was, which leads me to my step down this year at nearly 79 years old. My short term memory is gone. I sometimes can’t remember what I planned to do after setting my plan for the day 10 minutes earlier.
My long term memories are fading away at the same time. Those are memories that I want to cherish forever. I meet new people and if I don’t see them for another day or two, I’ve forgotten their name.
This year my vision has changed. I cant see distance like I could before. My concentration is failing me. When I was out driving, I would see something and get distracted, not a good thing when operating a motor vehicle. I quit driving this year and surrendered my driver’s license for a state identification card.
I am still functional and able to take care of myself. I can and do keep a clean home. I walk a half mile every nice day. I can manage my bills and pay them on time. I am okay at the moment.
My greatest fear is losing my ability to take care of myself. I do not ever want to have someone else taking care of me. Hopefully the Lord will take me away before that happens.
Bill, I know how you feel. I hate to have anyone wait on me either. I want to be independent for as long as possible. Chuck
ReplyDeleteChuck, I know there are some older people who like being taken care of, but we two dread the thought of it. I know that we have spent our lives working and doing things to help others, especially our families. That is why we don't want to be taken care of by the same family we took care of most of our lives. I have adapted to living alone. It took a while, but now I enjoy the freedom of being able to do what I want, when I want and not have to worry about pleasing others in the household.
DeleteBill