People in their 70’s should not be surprised when their bodies occasionally betray them. Although I am an eternal pessimist, I am remarkably optimistic about my health. Each time I recover from something, I say to myself, “Thank goodness that is over.”
It’s as if, once I’ve had something, the same thing will never happen again. There are some things that are permanently in the past, such as a gall bladder attack, an infected appendix, and swollen tonsils. Having immunity from these things gives me a false sense of wellbeing. I was surprised to wake in the middle of the night with a backache. Changing position did not alleviate it. I slid to the floor and thought, “I’m not sure I can walk.”
I did walk, if a hobble counts as walking. Lying in a different position might help, and with that I fell asleep again. When I woke ahead of the alarm, I was determined to walk to the creek if I could bend enough to get my shoes on. They say walking is the best thing for back problems, so the exercise could either improve me or make me lame. All was well until I paused at the creek, shifting my weight from one leg to the other. As new pain hit, I wondered where I’d turn for help. John was on his way to Tennessee to a train club, and the neighbors were probably asleep. I got back on the pavement, which did the trick. These words are proof that I made it home.
On the way home, I was remembering Amy’s recent account of seeing a relative. She hadn’t seen the woman for some time and was surprised to see her hobbling. Her pace was painfully slow.
Amy asked, “What’s wrong with you? Are you having hip problems or bad knees?”
I don’t remember the answer because Amy’s next blunt query made me laugh. She asked, “When did you get old?”
While trudging up the steep hill on Qualla, I decided this early March day might very well be the day I got old.
Mehrling Muse 
I’m so sorry you are having back pain. It is bad pain. My husband has had back problems for years.
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I don’t BELIEVE in back pain for myself. I’d rather ooze sympathy to others. Hopefully this will last only a day or so. I can still smile!!!!
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Sorry to bring this to your attention, but I notice a spelling error on your otherwise fine post….you entered “old” when I’m sure you meant to key “bold.” It happens.
Stay well,
Doug
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Sir, you are most gallant. Thank you.
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Your body might betray you, but the twinkle in your eye shows you are always young at heart.
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Thanks for that vote of confidence, young Chrissie! I’ll try to keep twinkling for you.
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Ah Anne… let’s keep thinking we have beat the clock when we get over the next hurdle! You did not get old. You just met another little obstacle on the way to eternal youth. 😊
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I like your thinking, Dor.
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We aren’t exempt from this kind of stuff in our late 30s Anne!!!!! I once snapped my groin just by doing a power stretch.
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The only thing I stretch is my imagination.
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What a drag for you! I hadn’t heard that walking is good for a bad back. I did read, though, that a good sleep position is on your side, in a sort of fetal curl. Look, let’s face it, our ‘parts’ are starting to wear out a little, eh? 😀
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I’ve discarded many of my extraneous parts and replaced two that enable me to walk. I’m glad you mentioned the good sleep position. I think I’m good on that one.
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Great post. I don’t think I would have written this as well as you have.
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Thank you! I suspect you are not old enough to write about oldness.
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I like to think of it as seasons and even in the winter of life, You and I know spring is just around the corner.
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