Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
I'll try to ignore the reference to my personality. As much as I come across as all those things I really am not. I am hardened to some extent by life, but, I still enjoy what I can. I was never wealthy, but, I am managing to keep a pretty good lifestyle and as long as my 2005 Cadillac continues to function, I will consider myself rich. So I am happy with how things are right now.Sounds like you're doin' pretty well yourself, then. Good to hear. And yes, usually, always good to be on the upper side of the lawn.
Again, not trying to be argumentative at all, just continuing the discussion.
Pop is not crotchety, cantankerous, ornery, combative, etc. He just seems to be doin' what he's always done. Nothing to prove. At least, not outwardly, anyway. Just goin' about his usual business.
Now, I'm also aware that could all turn on a dime, just as soon as we start suggesting he may wanna' dial things back a bit. Only time will tell...
That said, I might add in here, that I am able to put on a good show for my children and the people I care about concerning the state of my mind and the state of my health. I'm honest when necessary, but, since no child wants to accept that the parents that they love are aging and not the super strong individuals they were years ago there is a lot of involuntary denial on their part. One of the reasons that I force myself to be active is a process of trying to cheat the aging process. Even though every time I go to a restaurant no one ever asks me if I'm eligible for a senior discount anymore, my mirror tells me that I still look young. Mirrors lie something awful. I don't have many wrinkles but like those that go to get those injections, I have plenty of stored fat that keeps my skin smooth. As I lose weight, I can start to see areas that are no longer very youthful looking.
My point is that until you get to the older ages, you don't have a clue about how you will feel and how it will affect you. My father was content to let himself get old and died at age 74. My mother fought aging almost since her birth and lived to be 87. She would still be going strong, I think, if Pulmonary Fibrosis hadn't set in on her. Very few of us spend our days constantly aware the we are on the downside of life and that there are a lot fewer days left then we have already lived. However, we are all conscious of it and deal with it in different ways. I'm sure that since he is the age he is, he is probably more aware of it then even I am and as such is always looking for ways to prove to himself that he still can keep up with the youngun's. For the most part that is a good thing, it does serve to give people a much needed motivation to continue for as long as possible. I'm not saying that anyone should try and stop us from climbing up on roofs nor should they encourage it. Just understand why it is happening and understand that someday you will be there and then it will become clear.