Wading Thru It

What does one do when forces seemingly conspire to complicate life? In the past I slogged through it. At nearly 75, the slogging is tougher to do, but slogging it remains. One foot in front of the other.

First the dog’s dental problem led to an eye socket impaction; this led to corneal ulcer, and a lot of discomfort. We had six teeth removed and the abscesses drained. The eye socket returned to normal, but eye infection followed soon thereafter. That infection spread to the other eye. Now we continue – months later – to place eye drops into her eyes three times daily, administer ointment when we can, and clean her mucous clogged eyes as best we can.

The dental problem also coincided with, or caused, a loss of hearing in one ear. She also has experienced a slipped knee cap in a rear leg – twice or three times, now, but something she gets over with time and tender loving care.

Did I say Willow is 15 next month? In dog years that’s more than 100 so I suppose we are lucky to still have her. She is sweet, smart and loyal. Getting old for her has had its trials!

Today, we go again to the vet for help, relief and counsel. One of these days she will inform us it is time to let Willow go. That day will be hard on us. But it will be natural in time.

Meanwhile, on the human front, Rocky is home from hospital after an ER visit and admission for observation. Meds remain the same and at the same dosages. Peace and calm will restore nerves. Education will satisfy curiosity over Parkinson’s Disease and make it more acceptable over time. The translation: one step at a time will do the trick. We know this technique well; it is called ‘The Slog.’

Meanwhile, Holy Week is on us and music must be prepared, services organized and planned, narrative roles assigned and rehearsed. Extra hours at church are needed. Other church duties call us to action as well.

And of course, routine lives have their rhythm of action – cleaning house, doing the laundry, dishes, shopping, and the ever dreaded – car care duties. Yes, gas, oil, minor repairs and an occasional wash is required if the faithful servant is to remain useful on demand.

We are retired but can’t imagine where the time goes.

Yet more duties call for attention. All the volunteer projects and organizations that mean so much to us still beckon for attention. And we do what we can in the mix of all the other things going on.

Slogging. Yes, slogging through it all. One step at a time. A little creaky these days, and sometimes halting, but a step none the same.

After all, these are the golden years and we are doing our part to keep them that way. Slog. Slog. Slog.

You get the picture.

March 22, 2018