I refer to the article in the July 2022, No. 213 ESRA Magazine - Am I Aging? Well yes, of course, I'm aging otherwise I'd no longer be here. BUT, the REAL question should be, "HOW am I aging?"
How am I aging? let me count the ways,
All you need do is look at my face;
Look closely at me and, what do you see?
A little old lady just turned ninety-three.
I've a face full of wrinkles, I've earned every one
They're proof of all the living I've done.
I've two wonderful children, six grands who're the best
Four delightful great grands who make up the rest.
Though walking's now hard and I tend to slouch
When I try to move briskly the body says "ouch"
I've got a bad back and knees in some pain
But I've no time to kvetch and dare not complain.
And that's all on the outside, that's not what's within
I know where I'm going and I know where I've been
My days are structured, I've a weekly routine
Which I follow exactly week out and week in.
I'm not bored, I'm not lonely, there's too much to be done
My life has been blessed and I'm having fun.
I shop and I sew, I cook and bake too
Hardly manage to achieve all I set out to do.
Still lead exercise classes twice every week
Keeping my clients healthy is what I seek
I continue to drive my little yellow car
Though no longer when it's dark and not very far.
At the Country Club I work out, that's the rule
On the floor of the gym as well as the pool
I keep myself active and I keep myself fit
Am much on the move, no time to just sit.
Each day brings new blessings in so many ways
Surprises and challenges, interesting days,
Perhaps new adventures are waiting for me,
I'm ready to be the best I can be.
Volunteering has always been important to me
Give one day each week to Leket - Israel religiously
It gives a good feeling fresh produce to pack and to share
With those whose cupboards and shelves are bare.
Bikur Cholim on Tuesday every week
For shut-ins, the lonely whose days are so bleak
I try to bring sunshine, a smile to their day
And a sweet goodie to help chase the blues on their way.
And, of course, there is ESRA with whom my time I share
Volunteering with activities about which I deeply care
Started by amazing Merle this organization has become
Ever bigger and better till it's second to none.
I'll continue hosting a Thanksgiving crowd as long as I'm able
Family and friends around my huge dining room table.
I'm grateful each morning for the gift of a new day
And pray that good feeling will be with me always.
So how am I aging? As far as I can tell
I am, thank G-d, aging
very
well.