Speaking Relatively by Dr. Juan Harrison
Speaking Relatively
I’ve often said that it feels like we’re busier in retirement than we were in the working years. I remember all the hectic school days, carpools, and ballgames. We’ve got the exact same amount of time now, but somehow there’s this whole new set of activities and demands that call for our time and attention.
We get up in the morning wondering what we’ll do. Before we know it, it’s noon and then it’s evening. Where did it go? Hopefully some of it may have involved seeing or hearing from family and friends, some days not so much. Seems like if we can get our feet moving, we’re on our way.
Like old cars and lawn mowers, the older we get, the more maintenance we require. The bad part is all the time it takes of our day as we try to get er dun. You call people to try to order medicine or make an appointment. They put you on hold or cut you off. Someone is waiting for approval from the insurance. Insurance says they’ve sent it. Dr. says we haven’t gotten it. Then out of the blue approval from insurance comes to you. Dr. says they haven’t heard. Then you get a call from the doctor saying you’re good to go as you set up the appointment for the test.
Maybe you’re trying to get a prescription filled locally or TELEDOC. TD or your regular doctor says they will call it in. You wait and wait to hear from the pharmacy. They apologize for being behind. It should be ready in a day or two.
The fridge goes down. The dryer quits heating. May or may not be able to repair it the man says after waiting a week or so to hear that. So, you order a new one. It comes into the warehouse with a scratch on it. The fridge arrives with no icemaker or wrong color. Here we go.
Automobile issues are a whole different bag. If you find a good mechanic, don’t let him retire. The parts come in, but they’re not the right ones. Do you get a loaner or rental or just tough it out until you can finally get her repaired or serviced.
I’ve lived in other countries, so I know our services and care are better here than in most places. I’m just reminded of our ordinary lives and how much of our time, especially in retirement, is occupied or tied up with doctors, lawyers, car places, appliance issues, A\C folks, and lawn care. It’s tough getting older. Seems like we must fight some battle each day. Most likely one day we’ll be in one of those rooms you pass in the home with your name on the door. Hopefully, someone will come by to see you. Will we recognize them? Reckon I’ll just be grateful for the moment to put up with a few hassles if it means I can get another sweet hug from that grandbaby. Maybe life’s not so bad after all for the moment.
By Dr. Juan Harrison
