Getting Older Isn’t for the Weak
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about getting older. I’m 59 now, and honestly, I don’t remember anybody really telling me what this part of life was going to feel like.
When I was growing up, I don’t remember my grandparents constantly talking about aches, pains, headaches, back problems, sciatica, or the occasional battle with constipation. 😂 Maybe they just didn’t talk about those things around the grandkids, but I sure don’t remember them complaining much.
Now here I am at 59, and I’m thinking, “Well, nobody told me about ALL of this!”
Some days I’m tired and worn down. Some days something hurts that didn’t hurt yesterday. I’ve probably taken more Tylenol, Motrin, Excedrin, and other things this year than I have in years past just trying to keep myself going.
I’m also trying to figure out what my body is telling me. I’ve been feeling off for quite a while, and I’m wondering if some of it could be connected to a medication I started back in October. My doctor has me on it for a reason, though, and my lab work has improved, so I’m trying to balance what I’m feeling with what my doctor thinks is best.
I recently had a vaginal ultrasound, and I’ll be seeing Dr. Angie on the 18th to go over the results. My mammogram came back negative, which I’m very thankful for. As for the ultrasound, I’m trying not to borrow trouble before I even know what the results say. I’m choosing to stay positive, pray, and take things one step at a time.
And yes, my doctor mentioned the big “C” word, which is a word I really don’t even like saying out loud. I refuse to sit around manifesting something I don’t even know is there. But if life ever does hand me something difficult, then I’ll deal with it when I get there. One step. One appointment. One day at a time.
Because getting older may not be for the weak, but I’m discovering that getting older also means I’ve learned a lot about myself. I know when I need to slow down. I know when I need help. And I’m learning that taking care of myself isn’t being dramatic or complaining—it’s just part of taking care of the woman I’ve become.
On the work front, I’ve been making up the hours I missed when I was sick Tuesday. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about staying later than my normal shift, but I have to admit something surprised me.
It’s QUIET.
Once most everyone leaves around 3:30 or 4, the building gets so much calmer. You can actually hear yourself think! 😂 The supervisors are mostly gone, the hustle and bustle has died down, and there’s almost a relaxed little vibe to the place.
I’m still not saying I want that later shift, but I’m putting it in the back of my mind for the next time shift bids come around. I don’t have little kids at home waiting for me to get home and cook dinner, help with homework, and get everyone ready for the next day. Maybe a later shift wouldn’t be the end of the world after all.
And then there are the things that make all the aches, pains, work hours, doctor appointments, and everyday worries seem a little less important…
Grandbabies.
This weekend, Lane and Landon are coming to spend the night with Nana and Grandpa, and I am already looking forward to it! Mr. C and I decided that each of the grandkids needed to have a special toy that stays at our house.
Lane got a Peppa Pig house and some figurines because that’s what he wanted. We had gotten rid of the old one, so we had to replace it. Landon has a Buzz Lightyear toy waiting for him, and Sophie has a little handheld piano that makes all kinds of sounds. I have a feeling she is going to LOVE that one.
Nancy also needs to get some groceries this weekend since her vehicle is currently out of commission, so I’m going to take her shopping. She has already spent several thousand dollars trying to keep that vehicle running, and I know the whole situation has been incredibly frustrating for her, especially with having her son and her elderly mom to take care of.
Life is funny.
At 59, I’m learning that some days are about doctor appointments, sore backs, tired bodies, medications, and wondering what the heck happened to the energy I used to have.
And other days are about loading up a friend to go grocery shopping, waiting for grandbabies to spend the night, watching a little boy play with Buzz Lightyear, listening to Peppa Pig chatter in the background, and remembering that there is still SO much good in life.
Maybe nobody told me what getting older would really be like because you just have to live it to understand it.
So here I am.
Still learning.
Still laughing.
Still praying.
Still figuring things out.
And yes…
Getting old is definitely NOT for the weak. 😂❤️
#GettingOlder #RealLifeAt59 #StillLivingMyBestLife #GrandmaLife
