Six years ago, I made the decision to sell my home of sixty years and move to a senior retirement community nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of the Hudson Valley called The Fountains. As I was busily making final arrangements, I became increasingly apprehensive as to how I would fit into this new life, meeting and dining with strangers. At this time I was a widow of twenty years and had eaten many lonely meals with only music and a book as my dinner companions. My apprehension was needless. Everyone was so kind and friendly. After the initial “getting to know you” period, I happily found my “niche.”
Our conversations were interesting and varied. At times lively and amusing. However, as time went on and we grew older, I realized that the trend became, certainly not about our WEALTH, but about our HEALTH!!! In the past few years I learned more about the human anatomy and its ills than in all of my previous lifetime!
From arthritis in the big toe to how much zinc does our body really need?? Pain in every inch of our bodies, from the feet to the top of our heads was thoroughly discussed and analyzed and personal remedies for each one offered. Acid reflux, constipation and diarrhea was a good topic. At times one would think we were vying for a gold medal as to how many times we have to get up during the night to use the bathroom. We lament over gradual loss of hearing and vision and the need of expensive dental work. We berate the doctors’ high charges for these services, when in our old age, many medical insurance plans do not cover them.
Woe to the one who spills half of an expensive medication into the bathroom sink with the water running and stands there helplessly watching it swirl down the drain!! We do not want Mr. Arthur Ritis and Mr. Charley Horse creeping unwanted into our beds at night. We talk about the most wonderful organ in our bodies, the HEART. With every faithful beat, it keeps us alive. We discuss the wonders of medical technology from open heart surgery to the insertion of a pacemaker to monitor every beat and give it a jolt when needed.
I could go on and on about allergies, blood thinners to avoid clots,
etc., etc., etc. until you will think that we are nothing but a group of
hypochondriacs. We are not!! We are a loving, caring community. We
are saddened when someone leaves us and rejoice when we hear of
a favorable diagnosis of a dreaded test.
Recently, I have had the privilege of joining what I call “The Gay Nineties Club.” I am looking forward to whatever new and exciting experiences the future holds for me. I would like to leave you now with this thought. When I say my evening prayers I always end them with this one learned so long ago in my childhood. It had so little meaning then but is so meaningful now. It calms me and brings me peace.
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
God bless all of you.
Anne Humbach — Fall 2008
Copyright © 2002-2010 Anne Humbach