So last time I posted, I claimed, foolishly, that my body was ‘fit for purpose’. With this in mind, we embarked on a number of garden projects, which involved enthusiastic digging on my part. So, I’ve crocked my knee. I’m not sure if it’s housemaid’s knee, clergyman’s knee or just old person’s knee, but its curtailed not only my gardening but any other physical activity for the time being. I’m reduced to trying to figure out garden planning software so I know what to tell my other half to do!
I’m sure it will soon sort itself out if I’m sensible (not my forte!) but it’s reminded me of the problems my Mum had with her knees, and made me feel, well, old… About three years ago my son bought me a book for Mother’s Day. He fully admits that he bought it because he liked the cover, but what it turned out to be was a book about ageing. Thanks, son! I think it's supposed to be heartening and reassuring but, although I tried to read it, I couldn’t get on with it. It was sitting on my bedside table so I thought that, being officially old, I would have another go. Maybe it’s because it’s translated from French, or because its tackling a topic that I would rather ignore, but I’ve given up again — it was so depressing. It’s called ‘The Warmth of the Heart Prevents the Body from Rusting’ by Marie de Hennezel, and while I admire the sentiment, I simply found it so difficult to think about. Maybe I was reading it wrong! If you would like to give it a try, I may know of a copy you can borrow!
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| Lots of digging = knackered knee! |
I’m sure it will soon sort itself out if I’m sensible (not my forte!) but it’s reminded me of the problems my Mum had with her knees, and made me feel, well, old… About three years ago my son bought me a book for Mother’s Day. He fully admits that he bought it because he liked the cover, but what it turned out to be was a book about ageing. Thanks, son! I think it's supposed to be heartening and reassuring but, although I tried to read it, I couldn’t get on with it. It was sitting on my bedside table so I thought that, being officially old, I would have another go. Maybe it’s because it’s translated from French, or because its tackling a topic that I would rather ignore, but I’ve given up again — it was so depressing. It’s called ‘The Warmth of the Heart Prevents the Body from Rusting’ by Marie de Hennezel, and while I admire the sentiment, I simply found it so difficult to think about. Maybe I was reading it wrong! If you would like to give it a try, I may know of a copy you can borrow!
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| Available on loan! |
I prefer to think about people I know or admire that are ageing well. In a previous post I wrote about my patchwork family (here). As part of that family I am lucky enough to have two amazing aunties.
One, Lily, is my late Dad’s youngest sister and the other, Maisie, is my late Mum’s youngest sister. Both grew up as part of a large family, and both have now had to mourn all their siblings. But they are incredible role models for anyone who fears or thinks that decrepitude is an inevitable part of growing old.
Auntie Maisie is 86. She is a widow, who still lives in her own house, continues to drive and, get this, teaches yoga classes every week! She is as sparky and funny as she has ever been, and looks so much younger than her years. Although I don’t see her as often as I should, my sister takes her youngest grand-daughter, also called Maisie, to visit her every week. Little Maisie adores Big Maisie - they play silly games together, go to the beach, or simply enjoy each others’ company. Big Maisie has far more patience with Little Maisie than many other people! I love that she provides a continuing connection to my Mum and is so vibrant and wonderful.
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| Bridesmaids to my Mum and Dad, August 5th 1939 |
One, Lily, is my late Dad’s youngest sister and the other, Maisie, is my late Mum’s youngest sister. Both grew up as part of a large family, and both have now had to mourn all their siblings. But they are incredible role models for anyone who fears or thinks that decrepitude is an inevitable part of growing old.
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| You're never too old for a paddle |
Auntie Maisie is 86. She is a widow, who still lives in her own house, continues to drive and, get this, teaches yoga classes every week! She is as sparky and funny as she has ever been, and looks so much younger than her years. Although I don’t see her as often as I should, my sister takes her youngest grand-daughter, also called Maisie, to visit her every week. Little Maisie adores Big Maisie - they play silly games together, go to the beach, or simply enjoy each others’ company. Big Maisie has far more patience with Little Maisie than many other people! I love that she provides a continuing connection to my Mum and is so vibrant and wonderful.
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| Never too old too party, either! |
Auntie Lily has just turned 90. Also a widow, she has endured losing both her son and her grandson to hideous illnesses, but she is amazing in her resilience. She has a sharp wit and real sense of style - I’ve never seen her without her hair ‘set’! She also lives in her own home, although she has promised her daughter she won’t climb on a chair to clean the curtain rails any more, and does admit to having a gardener - no knackered knees for her! At her recent birthday party, she was regaling us with tales of her childhood - telling us about how kind my Dad was to her when she was little, and sharing ancient family scandals! Although she doesn’t drive, she catches the bus into town each week to do her shopping - she had an argument with someone recently, because she wouldn’t give up her seat for an old lady!! Yes, she looks that good!
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