I spend a lot of time writing about aging and the unwanted side effects thereof. And although I am generally ok with the onset of wrinkles, stretch marks, and gravity, I do my best to fight them off. You see, I really don't feel old. I still crank the stereo in the car, especially for David Bowie, the Stones, and The Boss. I avoid the high waisted polyester, elastic banded pants and matching flowered t-shirts. And I try to be presentable in public whenever possible (except when it's early in the morning and I have to run to the store in jammie pants). Now having said all of that, I have become quite aware of the realities of aging in recent weeks.
My collective group of parents, my own, my in-laws, and my second set (the parents of my BFF) have all had major heart incidents in the past few weeks. Beginning with my father, who was unable to attend his grandson's wedding due to emergency stint surgery to repair the bypasses he had 12 years ago is doing fine now and doesn't require any extra help. My BFF's father had to have his defibrillator rewired because it wasn't working correctly, a scary prospect at his age. While talking to BFF one day about the pains of our aging parents, she announced that when she gets old, she is going to be the crabby old lady who sits on the porch and bitches. Cars driving too fast? Air horn them. She will be yelling at neighborhood kids to get off her lawn. And although she is allergic, she might even allow cats to live outside. Lots of them. Now BFF, is one of the most joyous people I know and she spreads that joy to anyone she talks to, so I was surprised that she felt that way.
My father-in-law had a 5 way bypass last week (what is that, a quintapass? A pentepass?) He was sent home after 5 days and I went down to Florida for a few days to get the two of them settled, establish a routine, get the meds sorted and easy to navigate, and provide moral support. I returned exhausted and made a mental note to stay cheery even though my arthritis is acting up. I also returned because I have my first colonoscopy scheduled in a few days because the docs say I am at "That age". That age. I don't feel it - until I start noticing the aches and pains. I do my best to stave them off. I did notice, though, the other day that my phone's ring tone is the theme music to the Cialis commercial. I don't know when THAT happened but, I am too tired to change it. Maybe I am "That age". If so, BFF has a good thing going and I am going to join her on that front porch and help direct traffic surrounded by my dogs. But first, I need a nap.
BOOKS NEWS: My current work in progress has suffered from these health setbacks as well. I am aiming for a Christmas release. In the meantime you can find my other books here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_6?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=judi+coltman&sprefix=judi+c%2Caps%2C160
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