There are lots of stages to getting older, but perhaps the two major ones are: DENIAL and ACCEPTANCE.
I experienced denial when the first gray hairs and wrinkles showed up. I looked in the mirror and thought, “What is happening? I’m way too young to be aging like this.” And, then I did the math. Yeah, it was time.
Acceptance came along with illness and pain. I physically could not do the things I used to do. Fatigue showed up and arthritis in my joints and diabetes (a family curse) and other autoimmune illnesses. It seemed like I was forced into acceptance and before I knew it, I was living the life of a senior citizen.
I started taking naps every day, I shopped early before the stores were crowded and I only ate out during early bird specials. I watched old TV shows and sat in my recliner with all my “things” around me within easy reach.
It was a boring but cozy existence, and I began to forget the wacky woman I used to be. And, then I visited my grandchildren and they reminded me of so many things I had forgotten.
For example, when my four-year-old grandson recently asked, “Nana, will you go outside on the trampoline with me?” I opened my mouth to tell him that I had to take a shower and get dressed first, but then I looked in his hopeful eyes and it hit me that those were old lady rules and I didn’t have to abide by them. I went outside in my nightgown, hoisted myself onto the trampoline and sat while he bounced around me. When the automatic sprinklers went on and we got soaked, it was just another reason to laugh.
My grandkids have also taught me that:
- Sitting on the floor is always preferable. Exciting things happen on the floor, and you’ll miss the fun if you’re not down there. Never mind that Nana has to crawl to the nearest piece of furniture to get back up again. The pain is worth it (also, never mind that Nana has taught the one-year-old to groan when she gets up too!).
- Just because it is dark outside is no excuse to stay inside. There are loads of games that are more fun played in the dark.
- Cartoons and snacks = joy and a party!
- Laughing should be done often and with one’s whole body. Quiet, polite laughter is boring. Joy is infectious and should be shared loudly.
- Every car ride is an adventure. There are amazing things around every corner. Trucks, cows and dogs should be announced and celebrated.
- Don’t be ashamed to tell people that you have a new outfit on. Fish for compliments. Why not? They make you feel good.
- Burps and toots are proof of God’s sense of humor.
Most of all, my grands have taught me that you’re never too old to be a wacky woman again. I can’t get rid of my wrinkles and pain, but I can choose the keep the wonder of youth alive. God made a truly wondrous world and it’s up to me whether I want to celebrate that or focus on the things I’ve lost.
My grandkids are teaching me that it’s much better to celebrate.
Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
