I was reminded today, that I am getting old.   Or, in particular, my body is not what it used to be.  My husband and I took a hike in a State Park on our third honeymoon, so to speak.  We went hiking on our honeymoon and our 20th Anniversary.  And today, after 45 years we hiked a trail that was considered “rugged.”  I had misgivings about this trek, as I have had a surgical procedure on 3 toes that required hammertoe surgery 7 years ago.  Well, we made it to the part where we were to go across a stream by hopping rocks across the creek with the water moving by.  Needless to say, we turned back to the beginning of the trail.

I’m not in horrible shape for 67, even considering the surgical procedure, but could definitely feel the difference at my age.  I am now “old chick” as my husband is fond of calling me.

But beyond all these changes, I don’t consider myself feeble.  I exercise.  I just feel aches and pains that I never felt before.  I have fallen on my knee, on concrete mostly, enough times to have developed arthritis in it.  My mother, at 92, prays for me everyday that I won’t fall.  I fall, a lot.  But, I didn’t fall today.

There was a hopscotch court outside of a recreation building, that my husband and I could simply not do well.  I hate to admit it, but I just can’t hop anymore without it killing my joints.  It’s hard to accept, but my body is becoming a great disappointment.

I must also admit, that it really doesn’t bother me that much.  I just have to deal with aches and pains now.  What would bother me more, would to be a pain to others.  I don’t mind being older.  It’s a gift to be married for 45 years, able to see my grandchildren grow up, and spend time with my mother.  These facts of my life are privileges denied to many people.  And aches and pains are not too high a cost for me to have these blessings in my life.