Ponderings on Winter Solstice
I am surrounded by those younger than myself. This is by choice. I am energized by their quickness, different ways of thinking and the fresh, new responses to the world they have inherited.
From a youthful vantage point, it is difficult to relate to how it feels to age. In my younger years I couldn’t even imagine myself being old, never mind feeling it physically. I was invincible!
I have always lived with the belief that I am as “healthy as a horse.” It seemed to be true, until I entered my seventy second year. That is when the proverbially stuff hit the fan!
Fast forward to today. My body is now hosting Interstitial Lung Disease, painful arthritis, questionable balance, a thyroid gone awry, and some intestinal malfunctioning.
However, I still care for my horse each day and ride at least three times a week. As I walk her to the barn to groom, I lean toward her for balance. As I carry the weight of her tack and grooming bag, I move slowly, with effort. As I walk, I look at my feet, which I no longer feel, to avoid stumbling.
From an observer’s perspective, I appear feeble. I judge my body with the same dismay. Yet, my spirit, courage, humor and creativity are still vital and alive.
As I write this diatribe, I am not complaining. Yes, aging has been a shock. I guess it is something one only discovers with experience. And yes, the alternative is worse.
Yet, I hope to raise awareness of how trying to express affection and care for an older person can have an unintended impact on them. Unsolicited advice, while well-meaning, can have the effect of diminishing or disrespecting, their knowledge and the value of who they still are.
If I may offer a thought for anyone younger, it would be, if you care about an older person, please ask if they need or want help rather than assuming you have the answers for them.
Respecting the autonomy and dignity of another person by asking questions, listening to their responses and acting accordingly is to offer the truest expression of caring and love.
Thank you
Stories & Pictures 
❤️💜❤️. Judy b and M
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Oh, Elizabeth, so many health issues! Especially ILD. That’s a tough one… a friend was diagnosed several years ago. But you are living your best life despite all of it. Brava!!If I can interest you in coffee with old friends in 2025, I’d organize a lumper walk near your stable or home. LMK
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Oh Sigrid, I would love to join the Lumbers in a walk in 2025! This open space is just down the road from the barn with parking: Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm You choose the date 🙂 and I will be there. In the winter, I work every Tuesday all morning, but any other day, I can join all for hugs and a walk. Thank you for thinking of it! I remember my first hike was Waterton Canyon where I met Annie Weaver. A small but mighty couple of women!
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I went and visited an older friend yesterday, 84, living alone on 100 acres of beautiful land with a spring creek running through it. One tough woman, now vulnerable, in both mind and body. I came home and read this. Then got up and read it again. Powerful. It is around me in friends and family, and in me as I enter my 70’s — the changes in health accompanied by a wisdom that only comes with living. A wisdom that is strong and clear in you, no matter what your body is doing. Thank you for putting a difficult topic, and how it is personally showing up for you, in words and pictures. What you are saying is important. Love you, E.
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Thank you, dear friend. Yes, this story is a vulnerable one. I hope it helps another reader know they are not alone. Love you.
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Another good one with thoughts about respecting our elders! Hallelujah! Yes, to that and there isn’t enough of it certainly in our world these days. Oh, how our parents would cringe at the thought of what’s going on now. We would not have imagined it either. You have neuropathy in your feet? Bill does too and it’s really bothersome. Difficult for him walking on snow packed and rough ground where it is usually smoother. I noticed you have J as a middle initial now? Is that new? I just noticed it tonight. Christmas cookies and gingerbread men are made. Hope to go to NH Tuesday but there’ll be some “light intermittent snow” during the day. Take care, be good and enjoy the day with your handsome kitties… We don’t have a tree! Neighbor must have forgotten she was going to give us one from her woods…. Love, 🌲♥️. T
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