It was an eventful week as I had the first major dental procedure in over forty years. Over those years I always had two dental check-ups a year and cleanings but I didn’t have fillings or any other work. I have had a sensitive area of my teeth for some time which is normal as gums recede with age. Finally the sensitivity became aching and required expert attention.
It took some time for the dentist to discover cracks in a molar which had been filled over 50 years ago. I was glad not to have that huge mouth contraption holding my jaws open as was the case all those years ago. Apparently dentists have them to use to this day but not that day.
Age often draws attention to our senses. Cataract surgery repaired my eyes. Spice combinations added to food, awaken worn out taste buds. My teeth, an important part of oral health, are next obviously while my husband swears my hearing needs help too. That may be selective on occasion! Such are the joys of old age!
I remember a recent shopping trip and a couple we saw in the last supermarket we visited. We were at the check-out where my husband always empties the cart while I begin packing the groceries which he completes as I pay. I didn’t see the couple at the next check-out initially, busy with the regular routine as we were. I smiled at her then at him, as he maneuvered the wheelchair and his purchases. He was focussed on the task at hand.
She was fragile, wearing a mask over the years time had etched on her face. He spoke to her kindly, asking if she was alright as he laid the groceries on the conveyor belt. As he pushed the wheelchair ahead of him, one could see his hands were full.
Was it a stroke, cancer or any of a myriad of conditions which can disable us as we age? I imagined her in better times, when she was vibrant and busy, days not long enough to accomplish everything she planned. Her partner at her side, they may have raised a family together and would have worked hard to provide for them. All was in the past as he packed up the groceries and put the bags over the handles of the wheelchair and in a pouch on the back. He maneuvered all as he pushed the chair away from the check-out.
While I live in the reality of an aging body, every day I am capable of participating in life is a gift. Despite the sensory issues and whatever else lies ahead, I will enjoy what is as long as possible!
33 comments:
We wrote similar posts on this topic, Marie. I am so glad to still be able to get around and give thanks every day for my mobility. You drew a lovely word picture of this couple, who are managing through all the difficulties. I hope my hubby and I will be able to do the same. He turns 82 tomorrow.
I'm always grateful for my own health altho not 100% I am better than many others my age. I can't walk as far without a rest even with my wheels, but I'm not in a wheel chair. We no longer do a big shop but have it all delivered, we just get some yogurts and bits on a Monday afternoon.
I'm using the selective hearing as my rationale as well, though I have to admit I suspect there may be some hearing loss that I'm not willing to acknowledge as yet.
Based on your description of the couple, I'd suspect the husband has been in his chair for sometime - it certainly seemed as though he had learned to manage well with it. Too, I heard the love and caring you saw in them through your words. It always makes me smile when I see a couple like that, who have clearly been through so much and still care for one another so deeply.
Yes, I feel so fortunate that I'm still in good health, active and mobile, so I enjoy everything!
Oh Marie, you said this interaction so beautifully.
While I moan and groan over things I can't do so well, there is always some one who isn't so well off and handles it better than I.
What a loving couple you saw and also you and your Hubby are just as loving. Great examples.
I'm glad you got your dental work done..mine are needing work so badly but financially its not possible right now.
"Gotta" keep these bodies of ours in good working condition.
Love the last photo...Its a story in one shot.
Sue
I often tell myself that every day I'm alive is a good day!
Only one photo Marie, but no more are needed as your words so eloquently paint the scene.
Frank and I were in the car together yesterday, and for whatever reason the thought came to me, how many more driving years do we have? It made me shudder, but like you, I will make the most of each and every moment gifted to me.
ooooh the dentist, i despise going and i, unlike you, have had a lot of problems. i recently had an implant, what a pain BUT i discovered that gas they give you and that was quite nice!! :)
That was a poignant post at the end. I appreciate that my current dentist doesn't use those contraptions. The helper maneuvers my mouth this way and that as necessary. It's better than the contraption.
Growing old is a challenge. We have to keep on going. We have to work at a good quality of living.
Aging can be a challenge at times, I'll be 82 in a few weeks. I've gone from grumping in the morning to thinking "Wow, I'm still here." That has completely reframed how my days go. Your photos, as always, are wonderful - thank you!
I practice gratitude every single day for being able to do what I do. We start feeling some changes earlier than expected. And we are not alone.
Try as I might, I can't forget that I am getting older...
: )
An evocative post. Yes, bits are breaking here and there but overall I am doing pretty good for 72. Just a little slower.
Hello Marie,
Beautiful photo, a lovely scene. You post has me thankful my health is not too bad, just some aches and pains I can deal with. Things could always be worse. I do feel it is important to keep moving and enjoy each day we have.
Take care, have a great day and a happy week ahead!
I have mixed emotions about the couple you described. Sad, that they are in such feeble condition, but touched by the love they show for each other.
I had just read DJaNS POST. Many of us are in the same boat these days, cautiously optimistic.
Both hubby and I been lucky when it comes to our teeth. But the 7th of March my hubby got an eye appointment.
Such a lovely post, Marie. Yes, growing old together is a blessing and it's encouraging to see those more elderly than ourselves still navigating life with consideration for a partner. You painted a wonderful word picture of the couple in the store.
Hello Marie :=)
I am approaching life with the same philosophy as yourself,... to look on the bright side of life. My husband who was 88 passed away almost three years ago, and life is a challenge, but I'm grateful for each day, and count my blessings that I can still get around albeit with some difficulty. Life has so much to offer, and walking with a stick is better than not walking at all.
All the best
Sonjia.
This was a very sweet post, Marie, and thank you for sharing bout that couple. We consider ourselves fortunate in that while we have a few problems, none require medications or medical devices. We know people younger than ourselves who are dealing with serious medical issues and we are thankful to be able to get around on our own and hope that will continue for many more years.
Dental visits are never pleasant experiences and that is the one area where I've had the mot expenses in recent years. Hope you are feeling better after your visit.
This is the second post today I read on aging, and the unexpected changes it brings to our lives. One day all is well, and then something isn't well, and life changes. You shared thoughts of what I often think when I look at dear souls who struggle with health issues. What changed their life in an instant? I enjoyed the picture you shared as well as the issue of growing older. We have much to be thankful for - to being able to enjoy good health!
Beautiful post telling of a part of life we all face to some degree, at some point in our years.
Having a partner is a gift.
Aging does have its challenges. I had some major dental work done 2 weeks ago.
Marie great post on your thoughts on aging. Health challenges of any nature can make us realize that we are really frail creatures at best. I have come to say that the aging process may be God's way of teaching us humility. When we are young it is hard to believe that someday it will be a red letter day if we can climb the stairs to a second floor. Thanks for your thoughtful post. Hugs!
A sad story but also encouraging. It's a blessing to have someone you can rely on and be there for you. Sending you hugs!
Having lost my dear husband, your story brought tears to my eyes. We could have been them.
A scene often repeated, Marie, and the future for many of us. Very sad, but equally true. I just turned eighty-one in Cuba, but I can still do everything I want without difficulty, can walk forever without tiring, but I realize that can’t last forever.
Oh my, you still have snow. We have Mother Nature and Old Man Winter fighting over whose turn it is to come out and play, but no snow. Life, always something to deal with. I need to get an apt for the dentist and the eye doc. I have an apt coming up for a new lung doc., I have an apt for my gastro doc for some issues I am having, in April I have a yrly apt for a check on my vit and calcium levels and then my infusion. Then there comes the physical and bone density test along with the mamo. Just had a gyn apt for the first time in about five yrs. New doc. I like her too. But like I said, always something.
That's so true, Marie. I am grateful for good health though my senses have diminished. Dentists used to be terrifying! I'm glad he was able to sort out your teeth. And I really need another hearing test!
Marie,
Your reflection on the week, especially in the context of aging and health, is both poignant and inspiring. It's impressive to hear about your diligence in dental care over the years, which certainly pays off in the long run, even when unexpected issues like the cracked molar arise. It's a testament to the importance of regular check-ups and addressing problems early. The advancements in dental technology, making the process less cumbersome than in the past, are indeed a relief!
Your observations on how age affects our senses and the adjustments we make to accommodate those changes—whether it's through cataract surgery to improve vision or enhancing flavors in food to delight the taste buds—highlight the resilience and adaptability that comes with growing older. It's a reminder that while our bodies may face challenges, there are always ways to find enjoyment and quality of life.
The story of the couple at the supermarket adds a deeply human element to your reflections, underscoring the reality of aging not just as an individual experience but as something that affects relationships and communities. It's a powerful reminder of the strength and care that exists within partnerships, especially when facing health challenges. Your empathy and imagination in considering their past and present circumstances bring forth a sense of connection and solidarity with those around us, no matter their situation.
Lastly, your conclusion is profoundly moving and uplifting. Acknowledging the gift of participating in life despite its challenges is a beautiful perspective. It's a reminder to cherish every moment and embrace the joys, big and small, that each day brings. Your attitude is an encouragement to all of us to appreciate the present and face the future with optimism and grace.
Marie, you inspire me with your blog. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
John
I like the photo ending your post - on the solitary bench, placed on a snow covered spot, contemplating water and sky which seem one fascinating ,grey winter entity.
At least they still have each other. Aging and declining health are part of the package but to have your partner with you is a blessing.
life seems powerfully fascinating at it's each stage or color dear Marie
while ago we were watching oldest videos when we were young and kids were babies it was both astonishing and magical .
i really loved how you put things here .first you mentioned the increasing health issues with age and then you shared observation about another couple .this is insightfulness how you ended the post with positive note
i feel blessed to have imagination which gives me look of previous life as we look at road we had been walking while ago ,all my previous version still feel strongly vibrate and visible there but i know i have to head and keep moving until the journey ends :)
what a bliss
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