I've got a family party coming up soon, and was reflecting on how good it is to have family support, even when it's not the closest in the world. I don't see all that much of my wider family, but over the years we've had some big celebrations together and have always encouraged each other in times of trouble and rejoiced in each others' happiness.
I remember the earliest parties, carefree as a child, and then later as we became young adults, grudgingly attending what we then considered 'boring'. Then marrieds and parents, taking our own children along with us. We were young with our lives bright with promise for the future ahead, but there were always the older generation there too, (grandparents and old aunts and uncles) whom we were delighted to see, albeit often only on those occasions.
Now, seemingly in no time at all, I'm one of the old aunts/grandmothers/great grandmothers! We've dispersed over many miles and even many countries over the years, but how lovely it is to reunite for an evening of family fun and gossip.
But at the same time, it's quite apparent how we oldsters are becoming less able. Some of us limping in on sticks, some with the beginnings of dementia and some with life shortening challenges. We're now the family members reaching out to others for some help.
It's an occasion for some reflection on life as a whole, about how quickly it flies by when you look back, but how it is enhanced if you have some family you know are fighting your corner.
So to all who are looking after relatives, whether it's close family or wider, the very best wishes to you all today. Even when it's a difficult and tiring journey, looking after a loved one does bring with it a special feeling of having contributed to the well-being of a member of your very own tribe.
Yes family gatherings even when they are few and far between are a joy. With one aunt left of the previous generation you do suddenly realize you are now one of the oldies and my how time has flown.
Still feels like I'm in my 30s only the body says you're having a laugh. Mind you at times the youngsters look at me the same way.
How long does it take the mind to catch up with the body I wonder.
Sod it, I'll grow old disgracefully and blow what anyone thinks, says or giving disapproving looks. There's enough sadness in the world and I'm not adding to it. So I'm going to have some fun body or other people can complain or object if they want to but I'll take little notice.
I'm glad, it's a bit like being a little kid again when everyone says they don't know. Now finally past the teens, twenties, thirties, forties and even the early fifties when you worry about what others think. Now my attitude is so what, get your own life and stop judging me, as I no longer care what you think. It's what I think about me that matters and I'm happy with me and what I do.
Just wish the body would give over, it would be nice to go rock climbing again without rope and know no fear. It would be wonderful to climb to the top of the hay stack in the Dutch barn and jump off, somersault a few time and land in the soft lose hay on the ground. Some how I think I'd break a bone or two now.
Guess what I seem to have my humour back. Yippee, an image of me somersaulting at my age is funny.
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