Is this what getting older feels like?

May 15, 2010

So, I'm sitting in the doctor's office waiting for someone who would prefer to go unmentioned gets his colonoscopy and this moment gives way to some mindless thinking that is highly overdue. (WOW! That was totally a run-on sentence that would have gotten me a less than stellar grade in English. Anyway...)
As I flip through the magazine, my "cheaters" well placed on the tip of my nose, I glance up to see that all the other people in the waiting room are OLD. I mean, like really OLD. LIKE 50!!! Good thing I'm not nearly as old as this geriatric crowd that I'm spending the afternoon with. Then it dawns on me that I'm almost 50 and I'm married to someone who is 54! YIKES! (Like I said when I married Robert, I don't mind being a grandma... it's sleeping with a grandpa that bugs me bad.)
I pop a couple Ibuprofen for the lingering aches in my shoulders and I notice the cute lady next to me doing crossword puzzles. You know... they are good for your mental status. I guessed that the term "perky" relating to her physical status probably stopped a couple of decades ago, but I thought to myself, those 24 year old swim suits models have nothing on her. She was wearing orthopedic shoes and hat a snazzy little cane that kept her steady when she was walking. When she smiled, she smiled with DEPTH. Her life was good... you could tell by the wrinkles in her skin.
The couple across the waiting room held hands. They were at least 112, but still holding hands. I could tell that there was some worry in their faces, but they were there for each other. Together. Holding hands.

I start thinking about my own life and how lucky I am to have what I have and know what I know. And WHO I know. I'm grateful to be married to such a good man who loves me and treats me well. I have wonderful children and step-children who bless my life. This is such a pivitol year. I had a feeling it was going to be a new beginning for all of us. That feeling is proving to be true.

Jake is doing great now. His grades are improving and he's staying on task. He received his Eagle Scout and has re-committed to graduating from Seminary. His Seminary teacher told him that there are two places you can't serve a mission if you don't graduate from Seminary. True or not, that comment has motivated Jake to "be sure" he can go wherever he is supposed to serve. He's planning on leaving around his birthday at the end of October or early November. His biggest concern now is saving money over the summer for his mission.