...in a small town northwest of Atlanta, GA, USA; the "Sunny South" as it's known. Snow is a rarity to say the least but in the past 45 days we've had fairly good amounts dumped on us twice and last night was one of them. It was less than an inch but combined with temps around 15 degrees and a wind chill of about 2 degrees it's enough to confirm my 'dottage' and the limitations imposed by our particular 'infirmity'.
Usually, each morning, I go next door and get my neighbor's newspaper and put it on her porch (she's a bit worse off than I ), come back to my house and have breakfast. This morning, I just had breakfast and phoned a little while ago to check in on her. She's in her 80s and her legs don't work so well anymore but otherwise she seems okay. Also, what makes this thing of growing old even more difficult for her is that she's a 'good old country gal', not used to depending on anyone and as she ages she's been lamenting, sometimes nearly to the point of tears, the loss of what she calls her "privileges": driving, doing her own shopping and otherwise taking care of her 'self'..., herself.
She has no pets except the birds and squirrels freeloading from her backyard 'feeder' that she has no hope of getting to for refills this time of year. Her kids all live in other towns miles away and sometimes she goes weeks without seeing or hearing from any of them except her daughter who attends her a couple of times a month, running errands and otherwise helping her maintain her home/grounds. Otherwise, she has only me and while she tries to be 'friendly' and appreciative, it's obvious there's a large hole in her life that's being left unfilled.
Days like today and probably most of tomorrow, I'll be unable to get her newspaper or otherwise visit as we're both 'housebound'. I'm running on and on about this but it's as though it's become perfectly obvious that I'm really at "that point" in my life where things/relationships are changing drastically. I'm even more bereft of family than my next door neighbor, since my brother and sister live nearly 700 miles away in Arkansas and the only other relative I'm still in contact with via the internet and phone is a cousin in Texas. Another long time life long friend is in San Francisco, CA. Whatever friends I had nearby have long since either died, moved back in with their own families or gone off on their own.
Just another rant.
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Dmactds
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You sound like such a lovely person Dmactds. Your neighbour is lucky to have you. Growing old is hard for everyone, but so much worse if you're on your own. Wishing you well.
That's a heartfelt story Dmactds and so good of you to help your neighbour when you can. It's so hard when you have no family near you and can't help wondering how you will manage but i pray in my heart that when that time comes that you need more support, you will find a Good Samaritan who will befriend and help you. They say every cloud has a silver lining, I hope you find yours.
That is such a moving letter. IT serves to remind me that the US is a vast country, and that I live on a small island. Having said, my sister lives in Maryland. She was married to her husband since WW2 - such a wonderful story. I live about 15 minutes from my daughter in the New Forest. We moved from near Cambridge to be near her. I am well into my 80s and appreciate your comments. It isn't easy getting old, but then just get on with it.
One thing I found with my sister in Md, was that we had to get the car out every time, we went out. Here, in the UK, I have an buggy that takes me most places I wish to visit. I have made some good friends since I moved here. Health can be very dodgy, asthma and bronchiectasis.
Feel sorry you are on your own so much especially as you have such health problems. I consider myself lucky that I have my husband and 2 daughters only 5 minutes away who are always there when needed, though I prefer the time we spend chatting. It's obvious you are such a good neighbour and hope the weather improves so you can get out again even a little sunshine helps give us a boost. Joyce
Hi Dmactds, so sorry to hear you are having a hard time, it is no fun getting older. Do you have any neighbours that could lend a helping hand or clubs nearby that could put you in touch with helpers. Its sad that society nowadays doesnt promote the ways of looking after your neighbours and nobody wants to put themselves out, but a little kindness goes a long way and the world would be a better place with a little love. We are so lucky here in the UK and there are so many places to find help. I am in a little avenue and have really good neighbours that would help out with anything, I wouldnt abuse their generosity but can rest easy knowing they are around. I do try to help out as much as possible and cook regular for my neighbour who is 83 and has copd/asthma and not long since overcome prostrate cancer, he helps me out sometimes and will run me to the clinic or hospital. For the moment try to keep warm and look after yourself. Warm wishes. Irene x
I have been following the news and see the terrible conditions in the U.S. at the moment. I am really sorry it's keeping you and your poor neighbour indoors. It really is a terrible time as weather has a mind of it's own and we can't do anything about it. I hope it gets better very soon . You are so kind to look out for your neighbour .
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