So, where, and who, will I be when I'm 80. That is the question that Sayre is asking this week. It's an interesting thing to ponder and this post will be even more fun to look back on when I am 80.
I realized, while thinking about this, that I define myself a lot by who I am to somebody else. I am Shorty's wife, Julie's mom, and Moose's grandma. That doesn't even take into account the other 3 kids and other 16 grandkids.
I will be 80 in 25 more years. Julie will be older then than I am now and Moose will be older then than his mom is now. It's intriguing to think about.
I am blessed by both my mother's genes and by her example. She was 82 when my dad died. She sold the house they had shared for 59 years and moved 2 states away to be near my oldest sister. She bought a new car, joined the gardening club and volunteered at the food bank.
There are a lot of ladies like my mom in the town where I live. No one here seems to use age as an excuse for anything. The young'uns are expected to behave and the old'uns are expected to keep living. Seems to work out for everybody.
I will, in 25 years, when I am 80, have enough years in my current job to retire. Whether I do or not is another question. If I do retire, I will volunteer at my church, at the senior citizen's center, at the library, at the grade schools, and possibly at the museum. I will still be telling my daughter how I think she ought to run her life and she will still be mostly ignoring me. I will be button-busting proud of the Moose. Hopefully, I will love his wife and get to spend hours and hours with their progeny.
It's a nice future to anticipate.
15 comments:
Oh my....this post, Sandy, is very poignant. You've given a LOT of thought in the challenge this week.
I on the other hand.....
My fun monday is posted....but, take note, there is an 'x' rated cartoon involved. But all in fun. In fact my whole 80'ish monday today, IS fun!!!
I know you have hit on a basic requirement of a fulfilling old age - staying busy! Being active and involved in something that means something to you can make a world of difference. I wish my in-laws had given some thought to this as they began aging. They pretty much stay home, watch TV, and once in a great while go to a baseball game or we have them over for dinner. But I think they'd be happier if they were doing something!!!
Love your take on this. Thanks for playing!
isnt it all very calming to think of not HAVING to do something, but just doing it because you enjoy it?
Your so right about staying active, it gives you a sense of purpose. People who retire find theirselves with too much time on their hands and become bored and disatisfied. Doing for others is a big pay back for your self worth.
This sounds absolutely wonderful.
I know what you mean about the ladies like your mom. They just aren't defined by their age. They keep busy and lead fulfilling lives. Sounds good to me!
Staying both physically and mentally active has to be the key to a long and happy like. Sounds like you have it planned just right.
I LOVE this post. As what Anni said, very poignant.
And this -- "The young'uns are expected to behave and the old'uns are expected to keep living."
I guess that's just what we need to do!
The most important advice for ageing is "keep yourself busy" as long as you can. Your plans are very good !
Your mom sounds a lot like my mom! She is 60-something and is more active in her community now than ever before. She finally got her Associate's Degree about 10 years ago, she has a part-time job, and she volunteers. She is awesome! (My dad is still around but I think that if he passed before she did, she would be OK, much like your mom.) Thanks for sharing and happy FM!
I love your commitment to never slow down! That's my kind of aging gracefully!
Looks very hopeful, I enjoyed reading it
can I come stay with you - and you can take care of me? (:
i love old ladies. i hope to be one some day too.
Before my 80-year-old neighbor died of cancer, I'd sometimes walk with her on her 3-mile loop. I'd come home and prop my feet up to read the paper...she'd go out and mow her lawn.
She was still teaching her very popular sewing classes at local univ. up until her last weeks.
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