Reflections from the Slippery Slope
Anniversary of Slippery Slope Mega Slide
One year ago today I slipped on the wet bathroom floor, broke my femur in four places, nearly died due to pulmonary embolism in surgery, survived subsequent organ shut down, and spent three months in hospital and rehab. Slippery- Slope- Mega -Slide.
Dire events call for action to fix things. There is always a way to fix things. During this year “after”, we sold our house in The Villages, Florida and returned to our roots in Pennsylvania. “We” is my wife, Gail (86) and I (78). We signed much of our assets away to a senior continuing care community with a meal every night, tons of activities, and hovering medical help. I figured if I go first (as I almost did), Gail will be OK here with all the good care. If Gail goes first, I will light out for the Pacific Coast Highway in California. I will drive it continuously north, then south, until I die.
This care community is a poster child for the Slippery Slope. Walkers, mobility scooters, canes, and wheelchairs everywhere. I still use a cane and a walker but I am not like the rest of these people! Over our mailboxes are pictures of those who have hit rock bottom on the Slope and left the planet during the week. With 1500 residents, death is a common visitor. I do acknowledge that these folks seem happy, perhaps because their families will not be burdened with their care, perhaps because playing cards twice a day floats their boats.
To spend one’s continuing slide on the Slippery Slope at this Disneyland of fitness rooms, Saturday night movies, and a Christmas tree in every corner would be a dream come true for many as they age. I AM grateful for the safety it affords Gail and me—-perceived safety, but that is worth something.
Gail and I trekked in Nepal years ago into far mountain passes bereft of any safety net at 16,000 feet, I can only imagine what aging means in a stone hut with no medical care for a femur broken in four places. Am I lucky to live in comfort with all the other old farts leaning on their canes?
I wonder…???
My friend wants me to jump on her little trampoline. I am Loathe to tell her that is probably not a good idea for me as I might break a hip. Because she is 55 and I am 75. She does not appreciate the risk of falling. And now that I read your story, I am so glad that I didn’t decide to jump on her trampoline. I live in California already so I think I will just get a jumpstart on driving north and south along the coast. I hope your leg heals so you can throw away that walker.
Girlfriend…we are all on the Slippery Slope of life here on earth. NONE of us know what tomorrow brings, regardless of our age. So, you and Gail are quite blessed to be your ages and still on the slope! Bible says “gray hair is a crown of beauty, and old age a blessing from God.” The God I know is in control of all, including when you take your last slip on the slope….get to know Him, and I’ll see you in heaven for all eternity. 😊 Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas (and Christmas IS all about the birth of a Savior named Jesus)….He is the centerpiece of mankind. Hugs friends!!!