I 'm a half way decent conversationalist, comfortable discussing with a broad rangeof subject matter. I;m quite and normally confident that I can hold my own in practically any verbal exchange. I know my limits and usually stay away from getting deeply involved in those matters that could ultimately cause embarrassment. I can go a long way espousing knowledge as diverse as theology or economics, history and politics and hold my own as long as I don't engage in subjects that I should avoid - if my common sense app is working.
That being said, once involved in discussions about many of the topics in the aforementioned areas, I can provide a good give and take with people of most ranks. That usually opens up lively discussions about society in the state of the economy, history and more. I found the whole process of verbal interchange exciting, informative and entertaining. Then the world turned and something happened that changed the course of my conversations. Those discussions I once looked forward to suddenly evaporated and were replaced by a never ending chorus of discourses about Trump politics and the experiences of my associates with their latest medical issues, illnesses, procedures, drugs physical therapy, broken bones and the horrible fate awaiting so many of us: Alzheimer’s. It's getting fucking depressing. Instead of the interesting sessions of our younger days when we shared our our trips, golf scores, cruises, grandkids and business experiences, our conversations shifted completely to those things we all were now experiencing. I am not certain how or when it all changed, but whatever took place was a result of my friends and I getting older. Much of what followed was subtle, barely noticeable changes in demeanor; subtle actions, variances in speech patterns, slips, falls, confused moments and lapses in motion and memory. I guess it happened to me as well in a sneaky kind of way. What we converse about now are those things that occupy our minds -- at least those of us whose minds have retained enough sharpness to remain in the game. Instead of hi, what’s new, the typical greeting is hi, how ya feeling today or my favorite: how's your pooping coming along? That of course is an open invitation to hear in complete detail all the details of your friend's latest bowel movement plus a complete rundown on all his aches, pains and related medical diagnoses. In retrospect, it’s not difficult to understand why. After all, these are the things that occupy our aging minds these days. It’s what we do and I must say, we have got pretty damned good at it.
Now, instead of spending a couple of hours at our favorite saloon with old friends and a friendly bar keeper, we kindred grey bearded and blue haired folks gather once or twice a month at Dr.Belgiano’s haven or at any number of specialists throughout the area seeking advice and updates on our blood work and the latest breakthroughs. we spend our time with the staffs of various medical facilities with the people who help us understand our test results and treatment plans. We became familiar with the terminology and function of body parts we never really knew the purpose of. When we finally conclude our visit, we leave with more medical knowledge than most second year med students. I only wish they would serve cold beer. All we learn here will serve as fodder for the next round of conversations we will have with our group. They, I am certain, will have new medical adventures of their own to share. We all learn from one another.Drugs So much for the conversational skills of the elderly. If you, as a younger person have a hard time relating to what I am saying, believe me when I tell you, that you will find out for yourself sooner than you might care to.
In the meantime, don't panic. All i describe is part of nature's master plan. For now, enjoy your youthful BMs and your BMWs. Enjoy every experience and live life to the fullest. It's not the end of the world when you begin noticing the changes going on in your body and mind.. It is merely the beginning of the end. You still have plenty of time left on your shot clock.Make a few adjustments and stay in the game.
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