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.
