Getting Throught It

The 'it' is everything, the complex of events and duties that are inescapable.  A dizzying array of things to do, both pleasant and required of us.  In times past we weathered the onslaught of do's and don'ts as they appeared. Just more bits and pieces to deal with. We did it in a trice, and moved on the to the other things needing our attention.

The aging process demands more concentration, attention. Daily elements are common distractions. The buzzing of an alarm, clock, phone or soundtrack on a TV program! Countless reminders on the phone and computer of doctor appointments (two people in the household!), as well as chores, potty breaks, and meal times. Everything is a distraction these days. 

And loud surroundings. Screeches. Horns. Train horns. Barking dogs. Loud conversations in a crowded room. All compete to fill the space with din. Tracking conversations slip off track. Soon we can't remember what we were talking about. 

Sitting back and watching. Hearing, too. Feeling the room's vibe is all part of the elder pastiche of life.

Often it is moments such as these that bring an odd peace. We don't truly have to be attendant to all the details, just the slipcover of the setting! Absorbing the texture is exhilarating. It is also tiring.

Sunday night we were present at my two grandsons' birthday party. Their birthdays are very close together at the end of January, so the celebration was for both. They are four and six and still in the screech and holler phase of life. So loud! Such laughter and activity.

When we left early we begged tiredness. That was true. We made it to bed before 9 and slept to 5:40 the next morning. Exhaustion but a happy one. At home, we reveled in the quiet. And the comfort of our own chairs. And the simplicity of single attention points.

Yes, we were home and at rest. And then to bed.

That's what grandparents do.

January 22, 2020