Thursday
As Julia and I move through our 70s, it can be dangerous to ask us how we are doing since sometimes we’ll tell you. At length.
Put another way, we will launch into a sonorous organ recital. Symphony in Blue, let’s call it.
Sometimes we’re looking for information, sometimes for the comfort that comes from sharing. It’s important, however, that we know our audience. Our aches and pains may be of less interest to our auditors than they are to us.
Perhaps the best approach to our increasing infirmities is to have a sense of humor about them. That’s why I appreciate Julia’s poem “My Life in Velcro.” She is determined to stride into our twilight years with a smile on her face.
My Life in Velcro
By Julia Bates
The 70s seem to be about patching up
Knees wrists hips brain
So I sleep with a wrist splint
On each arm
Strapped in with Velcro
Rrrrripppp, RippppAs I tear off the wrist wrap
From the day
Only on the right
And pull on the night brace
One on each arm
Rrrripppp, RippppAt least it helps
The PT person said
There are people that
Don’t get relief
But I have an official
Diagnosis: carpal tunnel
Severe-new
Meaning “operate” because
Deterioration hasn’t begun
In the muscles, ligaments
And I may continue to sleep in
A brace even after surgery
Rrrrippp, RrripppAnd now the knee
I’ve had knee pain before
As the patient PT person
Reminded me
Haven’t you been in here before?
But the sharp little pain
From going up and down stairs
Doesn’t go away
So a big black brace
BBB for short
Strapped on above and below
The knee for stabilization
Very tough Velcro
Rrrripppp, RippppAfter her deep tissue digging
My masseuse says I look
Like an Amazon warrior woman
As I strap on wrist and knee
Ready for grocery shopping
Car wash
Then off to book group!And for walks about town–
Hiking poles
How about a cane, the Orthopedist asks
No, I say. I’M NOT THAT KIND OF OLD WOMAN YET!!
Hiking poles hint at adventure
Exploration
Courage
Head up
Big Smile
The next decade
Doesn’t stand a chance!!
Rrrrrippp, Rrrrripppp.
