Category Archives: Observations

The Joys of Aging

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My mom was the strongest woman I’ve known, not in physical strength, but in fortitude. Still, in 1985 she was diagnosed with six months to live. But being who she was, it didn’t surprise me she lived another 19 years.

My mom had inoperable small cell lung cancer, congestive heart failure, and severe osteoporosis. Although challenging for her, she never complained; her will to live was amazing. She simply refused to die until after my dad passed, then she joined him a week later.

How my mom managed with her condition is beyond me; she just accepted what comes with the joys of aging. I, on the other hand, will likely keep griping. However, toward the end of her life she said, “Janie Mae, getting old isn’t for sissies.” Now that I’m 71, I’m beginning to understand what she meant.

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The Fly Swatter

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I recently discovered an area where I believe I’m proficient, not that it’s anything to brag about, but here goes anyway…I’m an expert fly swatter (aka, killer). But seriously, no need to flatter me unless you want to.

Now don’t get me wrong; a fly swatter wasn’t something I aspired to be; believe me, I’ve had loftier goals. But this issue has been ongoing for months – annoying little fruit flies and regular annoying flies buzzing around my kitchen like World War II dive bombers heading toward anything that resembles food, even my fake pears. I’ve since learned that fruit flies aren’t particularly discerning insects.

Fooled ya, flies!
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What You See Isn’t Always What You Get

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I’ve finally come to an obvious observation: We are a culture of critics. We make assumptions about people by the way they dress, their behavior, social standing, or even the car they drive. That sounds petty, doesn’t it? But let’s face it. It’s a critical world out there and I’ve learned what you see isn’t always what you get.

For instance, I once knew a guy who seemed like a sweet, kind individual. And I believed that right up to the day he bludgeoned two people to death. Continue reading →