“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird
― Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird
I did not intend to write this blog today. The original was going to be about my generation but as an old or current (I'm not really sure) friend used to sing, the times are a changin'. The next two (potential three) pieces I have are about how the times are a changin' - both personal and in the world. Today's piece kicks off with a quote by R.H., "Nothing hurts more than trying your absolute best and still not being good enough." Reality Is Still Sinking InIf you've been keeping up with me then you know that my granddaddy has a big influence on me. Within the first ten minutes of getting to know me, I'll probably have mentioned my granddaddy two or three times. In the last installment (here), I talked about how hard it is for the reality of my grandad's health to sink in. Sadly reality has continued to sink in and my optimism is fading. For the first time I'm having to be a realist. That's hard. But don't get me wrong I'm still an optimist but I'm learning the fine line between the two. I can be optimistic about the future but I still have to face what stands in front of me. Sadly Doctors Don't Have The Cure and Answer for EverythingWednesday May 18, 2016 I don't think I've ever seen my granddaddy with a more grumpy attitude than he had that evening. Nothing we could say or do seemed to satisfy him. In fact, it seemed he would only get more agitated with us in our efforts to help. And then the yelling came and the curse words. I was confused and hurt because for a moment it seemed like a monster had jumped into his body and took over. (And since Wednesday, this same monster has come and gone three times.) It was finally revealed to us that night that his cardiologist told him that his heart problem can not be fixed. He would just have to live with it. He would continue to grow tired more easily and be short of breath more often. And then there is his cough. It appears that nothing can be done about that either and that he'll continue to have these coughing spells that leave him gasping for air and even interferes with his ability to eat. Also recently his memory seems to have started to fade. He can't remember to do simple tasks - like making phone calls or remembering where he put things. Though we all have little moments similar to this, it irritates him more so because he already can not do what he used to be able to do and what little he can still do, he can't remember to do. And there's nothing the doctors can do. He tries so hard but he just gets so frustrated. He tries his best but he doesn't think it or he is good enough. The days are getting longer and time is passing by. What he used to know is changing everyday. His world isn't what it used to be five months ago or one year ago much less 5, 10, or 15 years ago. What used to take two minutes takes fifteen minutes. What we consider a slow or boring day is a very busy day for him. Time is flying by and passing him but he is only slowing down. Earth is still spinning at 1000 miles every day and my hero has to leave twenty or thirty minutes early when he goes places so he's able to walk and not get in a hurry and fall. What Can I Do? What Can You Do?Have you thought about what you or I may take for granted but is a big deal to other people? Here's a scenario: I'm running late so I grab my sandals and run out the door to my car and sit down and speed off. While someone who is 80 if they're late they can't hurry because they may fall or it takes 15 minutes to put shoes on. Their fastest pace is what a toddler might walk. We're young. You're young. I'm young. But we're rushing everywhere. What if we take time and see the beauty in things.
Time is flying by. Enjoy the moments. Enjoy the little things. Instead of getting frustrated and upset when an elderly person is driving slow or an elderly person is walking across the street at Wal-Mart (or wherever) just be patient. And remember that will be you some day. Ask them if they need any help. Please stop trying to grow up. Please stop being in a hurry. Please stop trying to past time because the day where you can't remember and move as fast as you were once able to will be here before you know it. Your grandchild, who loves you dearly and looks up to you and aspires to find someone like you, will see you suffering. And she'll pray every night that you're able to remember things, and won't get frustrated and cuss, and that you can breathe properly, and gain your strength back. She'll pray that you're not in pain and that you're happy even if that means... XOXO, A Gearle Who Wishes Time Would Slow Down
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Abby & AndreaA college student trying to figure out the world with her mom by herside. Life through my lens (Abby). We all have different stories and these are only some of mine. Some funny, some adventurous, some hard. Sit back and relax. Enjoy. Archives
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