In the early 1980’s, Mom’s Dad (Grandpa George) had retired from his business and he and Nana had settled into retirement in the family home. One day while visiting them, I encountered George on a ladder scraping the exterior of the house in preparation for paint. He must have been 77-78 at the time. I remember attempting to tease him about having to “scrap and paint again”. His comment was “this is the last time; I can’t do this any more”. He was struggling with long hours on the ladder and fading eyesight. I remember thinking that I had heard him complain before; but this time was different. George had come to the conclusion that his physical abilities were diminishing and it was time to change his life. Soon after, he and Nana sold the homestead, moved to an apartment and began to do “old things”. The day he was on that ladder telling me he couldn’t contend with the painting, a chill feeling came over me. This wasn’t the discussion I wanted to hear from a person who was always optimistic and strong, raised a family and built a business. Life is about dreams. George wasn’t dreaming any more and he was dealing with the last stages of life. I didn’t like the feeling at the time. I still don’t like the feeling.
Last night your Mom and I attended the PAC performance of “Phantom of the Opera”. We have season tickets and sit next to an old business colleague of mine and his wife. He (his name is Tom) just celebrated his 80th birthday. During intermission, they indicated they were “dropping” their season theater tickets because they see too many repeat performances and their interest wasn’t there any more. Tom talked about updating their Will and they are in the process of installing a new furnace in an old home (who would buy an old home that hadn’t been updated). I got the same chill feeling that Grandpa George had given me. There are “end of life things people do”. With my friend Tom, there is a chill wind blowing.
Keep pursuing your dreams. They are the elixir of life. No chill winds there!
Love,
Dad