Staying Alive

I had many years of caregiving for elderly parents that irrevocably changed me. I was not left with words of wisdom, just fear–a wide interstate four lane streak of fear for my future as a 63 year old, a 63 year old facing the facts.

Others, thankfully, face this same fear with more courage: SEE THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO about a group of elderly men and women in a movie called “YOUNG @ HEART. I am hoping to learn from them how to face these facts and sing and dance at the same time. Neither talent, even in my prime, drew a crowd. In fact, it cleared a room or two if I remember correctly.

But, visual imagery is my niche. It is as close as I can get to telling this story. Not many want to look and I don’t blame you if you look away or skip this post. This piece was recently in an Exhibit called, “Firsts”. Several artists tried to translate one of a kind experiences into their particular medium.

Today, in the NY Times is an article about “Slow Medicine”. It’ s an article about life’s end and, ultimately, being heard. It’s an article to be read, but as Bette Davis (who would have been 100 years old last month) famously said about getting old, “It’s not for sissies.” I am Head Sissy, by the way, so I’ll totally understand giving it a pass.

©Pat Coakley 2008