As a writer, I not only chatted with these older folks, but
observed. Learned a lot about my elders, what I’d like to be like when I
reached their age – spunky, outgoing, interested in others. I also found traits
I did not want to emulate – grouchy, rude, self-centeredness. Having my handy
notebook tucked into my purse (as always), I began a list – Things I Will Never
Do When I Get Old.
I began with a reprimand to my older self. You will not
Wear matching
polyester slacks and blouses
Wear half
hose that bunch around my ankles
Color my hair
blue
Be rude to
those just trying to help
As I have gotten closer to being old (not there just yet) I
have added to my list of Things I Will Never Do When I Get Old.
Again with a reminder to my soon to be older self. Really,
really don’t
Not wear my hearing aid
Take others
for granted
Impose on
others – they have lives that don’t include me
Not keep up
on current events, become stagnant
Also promising myself to not talk about the weather as if it
is the most important thing in the world, not obsess over things such as
medication, doctor appointments, and my aches and pains.
So what exactly will I do when I am old?
When
I Am Old by Liz Elfring
When I am
old, I will sit on a swing and kick my feet high in the air.
I will ride the purple
plumed ostrich on a carousel,
eat lime Popsicles, growing a sticky
green beard.
I will ooze mud between
my toes after a warm summer rain, and stroll on the beach, collecting seashells as gifts for friends.
I will play in the snow,
giving angels their wings,
and drink margarita’s while sunning
myself on the porch.
I will jump on the
trampoline with the grandchildren, go
fishing, skip rocks, have picnics – outdoors and in.
I
will continue to learn, and listen. New ideas, new music, new anything.
These are the
things I will do when I am old.
So, now all I have to do is get old.
