Supper Time by Dr. Juan Harrison

My friend Finis from the feed mill from time to time would say, “Juan, when you can’t bite em, gum em.”  That’s coming from a guy who didn’t like to wear his false teeth except when he went over to Paris, Texas to eat at the Fish Fry with a dozen or so friends whose “P” checks had come in.  He was a multimillionaire who didn’t live like it.

He reminded me that as we age we’re probably gonna need a little or a lot of mechanical help.  Finis had his lift chair, but he also had this super seat lift in his Expedition that picked him up from the ground and lifted him into the front passenger seat.  Then Lucy could drive em to the cemetery out at Reilly Springs to enjoy a sandwich from Big Smith’s and look at the cemetery that Finis had help refurbish.

Sometimes it’s the false teeth on the table or in a glass.  Maybe it’s the walker or cane by the bed.  For a number of us who aren’t quite there yet, it may be the hoe handle in the garden or the leaf blower pointed down that helps steady us.  The first thing I do when working in the flower beds or lawn is to make sure I’ve got something to help steady me and put my weight on as I try to get up.  The old legs just ain’t what they used to be.

I’ve often said that we may feel 30 in our minds but our body shouts, “Taint so.”  Laugh or cry—your choice.  Just about all our buddies of similar age have got one or more physical complaints to contend with.  I kept telling people at least it’s better than the alternative.  At least I’m still here to get sticky kisses from the grands.

Until we finally give it up and move somewhere for regular help, we may have to invest in a thing or two to help us see, hear, breath, walk, go to the bathroom, and even dial a phone.  The tougher ones may be the mental issues we fight.  Where did I put so and so?  I can’t remember if I did this.  Have I already paid that bill?

It’s hard not to get frustrated as we wage our war against time.  Most likely we’re gonna lose, but as Dylan Thomas said, “Do not go gentle  into that dark night.”  Believers look anxiously to that time of a new body in a glorious new home with no plumbing problems or electric bills.  Many a time we may want to quit.  Maybe we don’t want to be a burden to anyone.  Hopefully there are loved ones out there ready to veto that.  Most likely there’s a couple more things down here that the Maker wants us to handle yet.  Right behind Him you think you hear Him faintly calling, “Come on home child; it’s supper time.”  I think I’ll leave the chores to the youngers.

By Dr. Juan Harrison