A lot of my friends and I are beginning to realize that as we get older we might not be able to take care of ourselves any longer. The prospect of going to a nursing home is not a happy one. We know folks, family, or friends have gone to homes and the limited opportunities due to costs is daunting.
I think of my own Mom who lived with me for 3 years and then when she got so sick went to a nursing home where she lived for 6 months before she died. I found a letter she had written to a friend and I could hear in the letter the frustration she felt it not getting her favorite foods or being able to go fishing. She was also so glad that we came often to see her and tried to bring her things but I must admit I have always been sorry I didn't take her fishing. All that makes me wonder about myself and the loneliness of it all if I have to go to a home. A good friend of mine died recently after several months in independent living facility. She went to hospice. Seeing her, remembering my own Mom's experience, and listening to friends only amplifies how lonely life can be.
My family is very thoughtful about coming over and checking up on me. I am so lucky to have the boys around and Matt and Ashley. They help me deal with all the old age frailties by bringing joy and life into mine. I will always be so grateful.
Remember when we took a midnight plane ride to Boston? You organized the back row into a social club and even led a few cute guys who were part of a film crew in some jumping jacks. If you go to a nursing home--which I cannot imagine Matt allowing--you will have the entire community involved in laughing yoga.
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