And The War Goes On By Dr. Juan Harrison
And The War Goes On
I don’t like this thing called getting older. When I go by a cemetery where an old friend or classmate is buried, I’m reminded I’m blessed. I get to spend another Christmas with the California younguns and get to spend another Sunday evening each week babysitting the wild bunch out at Birthright.
Still, I don’t like it. Nothing works like it used to. Sometimes the old balance goes if I move too quickly. Have to watch myself as I transfer an item from one hand to another and end up dropping it.
I’m still blessed with a good sense of taste and smell. Wouldn’t hardly be worth living without them. I have no clue how you end up biting your cheek or tongue when you try to do too many things in your mouth at the same time. I fight the battle of hanging on to enough teeth so as not to have to use a blender. The last pair of glasses don’t seem to work like they used to or those road signs are starting to back up just about out of my range to read the numbers and letters.
Sometimes I think I can almost hear conversations as the different joints and limbs in my body are setting up the agenda for the day. “Left knee, you buckle when he’s heading to the bathroom. Right calf, give him a sharp cramp when he comes back. Left hand, do that old sharp pain as he’s reaching for the doorknob.” They continue their evil demonic work throughout the day just to remind you that your get up and go dun got up and went.
Many a time I have reminded us that it ain’t what happens to us that matters. More importantly, it’s how we handle adversity. Seems like we’re constantly having to make adjustments with our body parts to help us find new ways to open a jelly jar or get in or out of the tub. The old legs tend to keep getting weaker and less dependable over time. We have to keep making adjustments and picking up a new aid or tool to help make up for the loss of mobility and strength and stamina.
Sometimes it’s like the little demon is sitting on your shoulder laughing at our ever-growing list of physical complaints. It’s a battle. Some days you grit your teeth, get up from that chair, and head out to see the grandbaby’s ball game. One point for the good guys. Other times you just wanna stay in bed as your nemesis chuckles on your shoulder.
The marathon of life goes on. You’re not a quitter. You know if you don’t use it, you lose it. Fight the good fight. Don’t be foolish and put yourself in danger. Just do as much as you can for as long as you can. Punch old demon spirit in the gut and prove to him you’re ready for another round. He may win the war, but we’re gonna make him pay.
By Dr. Juan Harrison
