GROWING OLD

I visited "Betty" today. Betty is a ninety-seven year old who recently moved into a Residential Care Facility which offers twenty-four hour care. Betty had been living alone in her home until two months ago when she suddenly became so weak that she could not walk.

Betty was hospitalized where it was discovered that her kidneys and heart were slowly becoming weaker and not functioning at a normal level. To Betty, this all happened so quickly. She is not questioning why this is happening, but how did this happen. She was so honest and truthful in her statements.

She had such a magnetic personality. She was so true to who she was, which made her shine. I have always loved "Straight shooters". They never say things that they think others want to hear. Betty expressed her true self. That made me love her more.

It made me realize that, yes, her body may be growing old, but her spirit will never grow old. She is a wise teacher to us all. It was an honor to meet her. I have met old people at thirty years of age and I have also been blessed to meet young Betty at ninety-seven years old.


GROWING OLD　

She'll be ninety-eight in a few weeks.
She talks about her long and wonderful life.
How she loves to garden; "Pulling those weeds";
while living alone and managing quite well.

All that changed just two months ago.
It was sudden; it all happened so fast.
Her heart and kidneys were slowing down;
leaving her weak and needing a lot of help.

She now lives in a Senior Facility
where she receives twenty-four hour care;
requiring assistance with all of her needs;
help with showers, getting dressed and meals too.

Upon meeting her today, I was immediately captivated.
Charmed by her zest for life; her honesty; her magnetism.
Attempting to process these past few months.
            Expressing her truthful words.

She denied any fears of what was happening to her.
She has no thoughts about God or Heaven,
but what is so important to her is;
"Being a good person. Helping others."

"I don't feel sick. I feel like I always have.
How did it happen so quickly? I feel so normal."
Her body may be aging; becoming frail,
but her true spirit; her love for life is amazing.
         She will never, ever grow old.       
　

　
　

　　

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