Getting older...it's not so bad, right?

I remember my first official visit to the eye doctor. I was in my early 20’s and I took Trey with me – he was about 5 or 6 and since Tommy had such a bad stigmatisim, we wanted to get Trey checked early. When the doctor saw me and ran all the fun test – he said “you have great vision – you will probably need “reading glasses” when you reach your 40’s” - Now at the time, I thought, “40’s…..that is such a long way off” and didn’t even think twice…..until…..

I noticed for about 6 months to a year before my 45th birthday, I was beginning to push my book (or anything I was reading) away from me. This happened very gradually but Alan and other family members noticed and said something to me – “you might need reading glasses” – instantly my mind went back to the visit when Trey was so young and I heard the doctor say those words…”when you are in your 40’s”….. WOW – at least it was mid 40’s before it happened.

So, I went to the eye doctor…confirmed I needed “reading glasses” and my left eye was a little bit weaker than my right so I have a “tad” of prescription for that eye. I picked out the coolest frame (I thought anyway) for me and reluctantly wear them in public when I absolutely have to! Now all of this happened about 1 year ago and recently I am noticing I need to wear my glasses more often so I’m sure I need to go back and get a stronger prescription. It’s such a joy getting older.

I know I’m not “OLD” as other’s tell me – but I’m no longer 20 – which is fine. I do have a 26 year old son after all. But it makes you take notice of other parts of your body that are showing signs of age …..

1) Eyes (already covered that)
2) Face – It doesn’t hurt but what are these wrinkles that pop up daily?? – some days I don’t even recognize myself in the mirror – yes, lots of creams and OTC remedies that promise to make you look years younger – but is spending all you $$ worth it? I would love to look like I did when I was 25 but wouldn’t that be creepy? I’m about to be a grandmother and I should look that a grandmother!!
3) Back and Shoulder – aches and pains all over. – one time I thought I was having a heart attack. I called my doctor and told her I was having pains between my shoulder blades, up my neck and down through my arms to my elbows. In addition, I felt shooting pains in my right breast. Turns out my shoulders and back is where I tense up so I was “stressed” – the pains in my chest? Oh, after 2 weeks and ruling out certain foods….the doc says I have acid reflux! Oh joy!
4) Pre-Menopause – well, that is an entirely different post!

There is more….I just can’t think….so, losing parts of your memory is one of the signs too!

The good news about growing old... I can’t wait to me a Grandma - Here my grandchild say “I love you Ya-Ya” for the first time – looking forward to retiring (if that is ever possible), building our house in the woods J - hopefully being physically able to travel. Something Alan and I always get excited about talking about. It’s “our thing”.

So, I'm thinking growing up isn’t all that bad! Trying to take one day at a time and remembering to stop and smell the roses!