Grow Old Gracefully

“Leaves grow old gracefully, bring such joy in their last lingering days. How vibrant and bright is their final flurry of life.”

-Karen Gibbs

Some encourage raging against aging and the inevitability of death. While I agree that we should maintain passion for life as we age, I believe in navigating this journey with grace and dignity. It’s unfair that modern Western society often has different/higher expectations or standards for aging women than it does for men. Because of “fewer expectations,” men feel more socially accepted for their age and changing outward appearance. I feel genuine sadness when I see someone who’s railed against aging via medical means until the results leave them looking like a flawed mask of their former selves.

The leaves in the above photo reminded me of previous falls, especially times from my childhood when I enjoyed playing in them. Today, I still love walking through the ground covered with autumn leaves. There’s something special about their rustling sound and movement around my sweeping feet. It takes me back to when I was a child, and I’d fall back into a pile of leaves my mom had raked. I know it caused more work for her, but she never shared a harsh word, only a smile or laugh. At least, that’s what I care to remember.

Speaking of aging, I had my annual wellness check with my GP this week, and thus far, my memory and mental facilities are hanging in there. I could draw an analog clock face, recall the keywords they showed me for a moment in the beginning, and satisfactorily answer questions about my level of living. I’m good for another year!