Friday, 18 November 2011
Wilted Garden
By Jim Kittelberger
Yeah, the changing seasons are great but as I get older, I appreciate the seasoning on the food about as well.
It scares the bejesus out of me to count birthdays and realize I'm counting down instead of up.
I am saddened by the fact that I used to enjoy playing tennis at high noon with perspiration dripping off of me like the Niagara river and now I have to separate mowing my lawn into a morning and afternoon event.
I do crossword puzzles not for the pure enjoyment, but like a race. It's now a race to fill in the blanks this minute because I may not remember the answer tomorrow.
But even though each step requires some payment from an angry joint, or muscles that don't really work without a protest or two, it has been fun and if it were possible to re-enlist, if I could take Grandma with me as a signing bonus, I'd love to have a go at it.
[INVITATION: All elders, 50 and older, are welcome to submit stories for this blog. They can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, etc. Instructions for submitting are here.]
Posted by Ronni Bennett at 05:30 AM | Permalink | Email this post
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I love your little bit of whimsy--sweet, spare and funny. If we don't laugh, we cry, and who wants to do that?
Posted by: Lyn Burnstine | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 08:54 AM
Good story, Jim. Much struck close to home, but I especially liked your conclusion.
Posted by: Gabby Geezer | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 08:55 AM
Can't wait to go back and read the other writings..bon voyage..
Posted by: Mary Follett | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 09:33 AM
Lucky Jim privileged to count UP the memories that earned angry joints and muscles.
Posted by: aunrann | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 09:36 AM
Your story triggered some thoughts about "countdowns" I have experienced in my life. They go on and on, too many to mention....like counting down to an airlines takeoff, counting down to when my babies were born, counting down to the day of marriage (not in that order), the list goes on and on. Counting down to the unknown is scary, perhaps. Every day added to my countdown is a blessing. Slowing down has been a gift for reflection, reading and other activities for which I never had time. I could do without the aches and pains. The slowing and disappearance of my memory is a real inconvenience. Would you change any part of your life if you did re-enlist? or would you want a whole new existence?
Your piece has been very thought provoking. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Michigan Grandma
Posted by: brbrsln2 | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 09:41 AM
Yes Michigan, I would change some unkind things I remember doing. I remember some wise person once told me she thought that we live our lives, like the movie GROUNDHOG DAY, over and over until we get it right. Pleasant thought for some. and maybe not so pleasant for others. Perfection is something probably not attained by many, certainly not me. I am afraid I will take my inadequacies with me. Perhaps a good? lawyer will be standing by to plead my case for me. Just hope God has a sense of humor. He'll need it to adjudicate most of us.
Posted by: jim kittelberger | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 10:27 AM
I too believe that God has a sense of humor. Every once in a while he plays a good trick on me and I can tell he is smiling. Obviously, the only payback to him is to try to do better next time.
I also believe he winks, nudges and nod. That's how we know he is there.
As to the lawyer, I'm not sure of God's attitude toward lawyers.
Thanks again,
Michigan Grandma
By the way if Gabby Geezer gets back to your posted comments, I am going to Kalamazoo tomorrow to buy pasties at her church bazaar.
Posted by: brbrsln2 | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 01:17 PM
We may wither and wilt, but our roots grow deep and strong snd with a positive outlook we'll go on for years, maybe slower and slower, but still go on.
Posted by: johna ferguson | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 04:14 PM
Great story,Jim. I really enjoyed and agreed with most of what you wrote.
I think Johna said it best for both of us.
Posted by: Nancy | Friday, 18 November 2011 at 06:03 PM