I think the most obvious for seniors is the memory lapse. My husband and I always let each other know where we are going when we leave the house. My problem is, one hour later I forget where he told me he was going.
This happens with introductions, too. When Harry and I attended my daughter Kim’s wedding, the girlfriend I traveled with for six years was there. I started out, “Harry, this is (pause) the girl I traveled with when I was single.” I quickly added, “And this is my husband, Harry.” I told Harry her name on the drive home.
Just recently, my husband and I went to the grocery store. We each have a certain job to do. He carries the grocery money and I bring along the list and the plastic bags. When we got to the store, he told me he forgot the money. I told him I forgot the bags. Needless to say, we drove home to pick up what we forgot.
Aren’t there just some senior moments you’d just like to forget?
While doing a chore with my husband, he had asked me to hold the dustpan while he swept the debris on to it. I was bending down waiting and waiting when I noticed he wasn’t moving the broom, but he was laughing. “What’s so funny?” I asked perturbed. He answered, “Most people turn the dustpan right side up to place trash in it.”
Something happened in the grocery store just last week. We’ll often say, “I’ll get this or that.” I headed for the onion pile. I have no idea why veggies are on a slanted board, especially round ones. I picked up an onion and all of a sudden I had an avalanche of onions rolling towards me. I quickly pressed my stomach against the barrage. It stopped. But we still has about 10 to pick up off the floor.
Then there are times I have a fear of falling off a drawbridge. My husband and I were on vacation in St. Augustine, Florida. If you wish to go to the shops you have to take the 10 minute walk across the bridge. On the way back, I was mid-way, yet not on the drawbridge, when I heard ‘clang, clang, clang.’ The white no crossing bar, in back of me, came down. It took so long for the guy in the booth to push the button for the drawbridge so I decided to sit. Soon, I heard the man, from the booth, speak into the microphone, “Please cross the bridge.” I stayed sitting. I stood up and looked at the man in the booth, “Me?” He nodded yes. I walked closer to him, “Do I stand here?” Again he repeated, “Please cross the bridge.” The twerp. Now I’m really scared that he’ll push the button, while I’m on the part that lifts up, and someone will have to save me when I fall into the water. All went well. He didn’t push the button.
I do know when to call in help. I was going to attend a Penn State reunion with my husband. I didn’t want to look like a “frump.” A frump is an older person who fears looking uninteresting or unattractive, but still wants to be an “in” grandma. I called on the troops, my grandchildren, for help with makeup, jewelry, and clothes. One grandchild insisted I try on one of those ‘Push ’em up’ bras. I did. It pushed up too much to suit me. Give me an A for at least thinking about it. I still had a fun time at the reunion, ‘push ’em up’ or not.
Ahhhhhh. Senior moments to remember. I’m beginning to think God gives them to me so I have something to write about.
