Day 1407

Ranger doesn’t always realize that he is a senior citizen! Quickly approaching 13, he still wants to join in the “wild rumpus” and act like a puppy! I remind him that he could break a hip and he looks at me as if to say, “Look who’s talking!”

As the years add up, my brain still believes that youth is a part of my daily life. In my mind, biking, roller blading, hiking, running and any other high-energy endeavor is still within my grasp. “Grasp” is more like “Gasp” as I attempt to live life like I did 20 years ago! Pushing myself to the limit was a matter of pride and I never threw in the towel.

Recently, although my mind continues to argue, I realized that staying healthy (heart, muscle, bones…) is critical to so many surrounding me. In frustration of my willful ways, my family will ask “Who will take care of the dogs if you fall?” That stops me in my tracks and lets me process other ways I might be needed. Although it is nice to be “needed,” the angst remains. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we aged until 50 and then everything reversed and our agility, strength and bodies moved towards our younger selves?

For now, I will heed the warnings from loved ones (and my arthritic knees) and take as few chances as necessary. However…those rollerblades keep softly calling my name…