Falling

I did not think I required another reminder that getting older is not like being younger. Little things like looking in the mirror seemed adequate, but I guess not, because last Sunday, while in my apartment with my granddaughters visiting, I endeavored to return a coffee table to its proper location and tripped on a rug while moving backwards. Down I went, frightening the girls and me. Landed straight down on my tush. We still got to see the “Hip Hop Nutcracker” at NJPAC. It was great.

Fast forward almost a week later and I’ve to urgent care and a spine doctor. I feel about as good as I did right after the fall, though this concoction of pills I’m taking helps a bit despite the digestive issues they cause.. And, yes, I know I shouldn’t be moving furniture, but nothing seems like a big deal at the time when it’s something you’ve always been doing. And I know I can ask for help, but have you met me? So out of character. Still, there are all sorts of aspects to life-long learning. Perhaps I shall learn patience.

Learning to slow down is hard for me. I don’t know why I’ve always felt compelled to do a zillion things each day and take on tons of projects, always among the first to volunteer. The list is extensive. Four to six weeks of mostly bed rest makes my head spin. Thank goodness for Zoom. But I know there are advantages to quiet time. I can read undisturbed, watch movies, do nothing That’s the hardest one, just listening to the heat go on and off, the train whistle, occasional car. All of that can calm me, if I let it.

But today is our big ALTE gallery show in Teaneck. Unlike lots on my calendar, I am going to attend; though mostly I will be sitting down, not walking around. I hope to see you there. The show will be up through February. Don’t worry. I won’t talk about any of this. It’s embarrassing enough I am telling you here

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