Nature's way

 

When you meet old friends after a long while you may be taken aback by how they have aged. Likewise you begin to wonder whether they think the same about you. When you chance upon a brightly lit mirror that reflects your shockingly true image you are aghast at how much your cheeks have sagged and the eyelids have drooped.

So this month I crossed another year which brings me nearer to the big 70. Usually birthdays don't bother me much but the past month I was dealing with health problems that cropped up one after another reminding me of the depreciation of my body machine. (It never occurred to me that I need to provide for accelerated depreciation thinking the straight line method is sufficient). Perhaps it was the initial Covid infection which weakened the whole system. Old problems resurfaced. So after Covid, it was acid reflux or Gerd which actually has been inactive for quite awhile. Before I could finish the course of medicine for Gerd, I had a severe tonsilitis attack which needed antibiotics that further exacerbated the Gerd. Then at night the sinus problem flared up disturbing my sleep and making me feel weaker. So you see when you are getting old you must avoid getting sick because a train of ailments will be triggered by the first. Now I also understand why elderly people carry plastic baskets of medication and have reminder systems or detailed medication schedules (before food, after food, once daily, three times daily, upon waking up, before bedtime). Phew! Is that nature's way to keep dementia away.

Nevertheless birthday celebrations is a must despite the pain and fatigue. Initially you feel like being dragged along so not to be a 'kill-joy'. But without fail you find yourself enjoying the fun, the merriment and the warmth. You are reminded of all the blessings you have. So what if the body aches and the stomach rumbles.