Home Her It's Me, Miravi Aging Gracefully
Aging Gracefully PDF  | Print |
Written by Miravi Sanchez   
Monday, 01 February 2010 08:48

AgingGracefullyLife is a never ending quest for something more fulfilling.  Its definition depends on how the person sets his priorities ---- whether appropriate or not.  Time goes by very quickly, because a greater part of one’s daily routine is taken up by work and more work (even in the home front). As one gradually slows down, as part of normal physiology,

such change is usually attributed to age. Then, we ponder on what we have done and missed out along the way. For people with adult children – they often encounter the “empty nest syndrome”. The house becomes so quiet and empty. The tiny pitter-patter of feet and endless giggles are often missed.

The vibrancy of a young child is so infectious, especially one who has limitless questions as a means of satisfying curiosity.  I remember one time when we took my husband’s grandniece for a ride.  It was the start of the holidays and she was allowed to sleep over. She was one bundle of energy.  When we arrived at our destination to buy some fish and chips, she suddenly asked,

   “Lolo, what is the Maori (translation) of I am bored? ” Silence…… We looked at each other smiling, but clueless. Then, she was quickly chirping away. Then, as if on cue she added, “What is I am good in Maori?”  More silence….. then an automatic translation followed. She has been munching on her red “chippy” and she suddenly pouted her lips, drew  in air, and made a funny sound indicating  her tongue felt hot (chili). Looking at her, I noted she was thirsty. Then I asked her if she needed water or orange. No to both. Then, I asked my son to buy her cold soda (Fanta). She gave me a megawatt smile.  As soon as she sipped the cold drink, she muttered in Maori “I am good!” We all laughed on our way home. I started thinking: how soon did I forget the little things that my kids used to do.  The presence of young kids in the house tends to fill up the emptiness.  True, when they are around you become loaded with adrenaline and are always alert in case anything happens. You feel much younger.

According to Mark Twain, age is just a matter of the mind. If you don’t mind it doesn’t matter. Indeed, aging can be dealt with grace.  One just needs a more positive outlook.