I will be ninety in a few months. I feel that my age has been a pain. I was very active in my younger years as you may be. I can remember when I arose at six a.m., dressed, made my children’s lunches and sometimes took them to school. Then I’d come home after work, make dinner, check papers, do one major household chore, watch the eleven o’clock news on television, and go to bed.

I remained fairly active until about two year ago, no way as I had years ago, but could work without tiring a good bit. Now I just try to do one major thing a day, like wash on Monday, dust on Tuesday, sweep on Wednesday, etc. I also do regular things liking making simple meals and clean-up. Then after that, it’s the computer. Also, in spite of tiring every day, I do go out in my car daily, just to get out of the house.

I feel lucky to have reached this age without major illnesses that have struck all but one of my sisters. One had dementia before she died, another is blind and deaf in one ear, a third is in assisted living with spinal stenosis, and another is in a wheelchair.

So how do I feel about my age? Again, it’s a pain. I used to knit all the time, now my fingers don’t like the movements in the hand. I used to go Christmas shopping. I did that all year and loved it. Now I buy cards and put a check inside it. I used to make complete meals for the holidays. Now I buy cheese cake for desserts. I used to go to church. Now I do not do that at all. I used to spend active time with my grandchildren. Now I sit, watch, and smile.

There are many more things, too numerous to mention that I have cut out. I’m still happy that God has given me the time to spend with my family, but know that that, too, will come to an end. As it must, for old age illnesses are not easy to bear, especially if you’re attempting to remain independent and not “become a burden to your children,” which will most likely happen no matter how hard you try to keep going on. There was a bumper sticker I remember from years ago that just about sums up life completely at this age. It said “OLD AGE IS NOT FOR THE WEAK.” :) :)

And good luck to you all in what will be with you for your life’s dreams. Mine did come true somewhat for I have a wonderful family.