Dexterity and

I recognize the emotion.

I not only understand totally, but remember it well.

It brings back the later years I shared with my fiercely independent Mother,

Mom was always vehement with her emphatic opinions in conversation, but occasionally, in later years there might be a slight pause and I would quickly grasp the silence and ask,

“Are you alright?”

And of course, she was.

God granted Anna King Donlon the joy of maintaining her intellectual capacity until He brought her home.

The one thing she was denied, however, was the ability to age and end her days in her beloved “neighborhood.” The crowds of the city were her Utopia; the serenity of the suburbs a desert of loneliness in my Mother’s eyes,

Yet, Mom was getting, not just old, but older and society becomes quite alert to any potential changes not only physically, but mentally. When she acquiesced to our concern, she abandoned the home she loved with sorrow and reluctance,

And as, I, too, have been given the gift of age, I realize I am monitored (carefully) by one and all I encounter.

It is done with discretion (mostly) and sensitivity (always), but yet, quite obvious.

Every variance, no matter how minuscule, seems to invoke a caring,

‘Is everything okay?”

Until now the answers have been affirmative.

Still I remember when I was far younger when they would have been answered with negativity.

I fell the year I was 48, on an icy driveway entering a restaurant.

I fell again twenty years later (and no, I don’t drink) on a broken curb and came close to saying adieu to this beautiful world.

And while I understand the care and concern of all those I encounter in these, shall I say ‘senior years of life,” I must ask,

“Please don’t be so apprehensive.”

I, too, have read and absorbed the medical alerts and recognize the fear of falling. It pervades the psyche as we age. Yet, few are unaware of the current mechanisms that help keep elders upright, physically as well as emotionally and mentally.

The obvious fear of others frightens us. We respect and appreciate concern but promise we will ask for help when needed.

And if we forget something momentarily, it may not be an alarming symptom, but perhaps a few other things were a priority.

Fear is so very easy to give away, and we don’t want to share yours.

We really hope you understand because it will make life far more pleasant for you as hopefully you, too, move on in years and dexterity.

And perhaps you might even be grateful we warned you,