Slice of Life Post: March 16, 2024

“Oh, earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town.

The years raising my children flew by too quickly. By the time they were grown and gone, it was too late to take those days back to really relish each moment. I can easily recall all the stress of trying to manage a job, home, and children. I wished I had had the wisdom then to just smile and to say no more often.

Furthermore, I’m not a big, “Heck yes, I’m old, and I love it” kind of person. Truth is if I ever had the chance to reach the fine age of ninety, I will probably look back at this moment and regret not relishing it more. Nevertheless, I miss the bustle of guiding my sons, and the joy of watching them perform at sporting venues, school programs, and music events, etc.

Now grandchildren are wonderful, but honestly, I never get to spend much time with them. Three granddaughters live in Colorado and our youngest son and his wife, who live within twenty minutes of us, are busy. It’s quite difficult to get time to spend with them. I do offer meals and attempt to create opportunities to see more of them, but it is what it is: a big fat disappointment.

The ugly truth: getting older is a bumpy ride. Besides having arthritis and thin bones, I’ve noticed that my skin has started to look like a spotted piece of spoiled fruit. I’m no longer thin, sigh, and my teeth aren’t what they used to be along with a whole lot of other things I’ll spare any reader who’s gotten this far into the post. One truth about aging for me is that my brain has a great deal of difficulty accepting reality. (Can I accept age gracefully? No, I cannot!) My brain/heart tells me that I can do anything. It’s a shock when I see myself in the mirror because I do not recognize the stranger staring back at me. I often wish I could relive my youth but only if I could rectify every mistake. Oh my, that would be challenging.

Today’s writing prompt at Ethical ELA Open Write is hosted by Brian Coates. Check it out and you will understand why I am rambling on about aging today.

Bite Me

I refuse to celebrate
silver
wear purple &
avoid
at all costs
reality shocks

I will jubilantly howl
shouting
“go ninety” &
smile
kicking ass &
taking names

By Barb Edler 16 March 2024