I have a very important resolution for the new year. Or maybe it's a goal. A hope. A desperate wish.
That is for no one to tell me I am old. Especially those to whom I am paying big bucks to provide me with quality service.
Last year (how can 2 days make 2007 seem so distant?) I had a small growth on my forehead right at my hairline. When it began to change, I did a good job of not panicking, but being a nurse, I prudently hightailed it to my dermatologist, for whom I've always had the highest regard and respect. Until now.
He quickly reassured me it was nothing but a seborrheic keratosis, a harmless growth that would never be cancer but just a nuisance, and he promptly froze it off. He then handed me the brochure about these delightful growths and walked out of the room. (He was a wise man to leave.)
To begin with, the man on the front of brochure appeared to be the resurrected Methuselah. But that was not the worst of it. Inside, it claimed that these are very commonplace and are often referred to as BARNACLES OF OLD AGE.
Yep, me and the ancient wrecks on the ocean floor now have a common bond.
I'd like to meet the person who wrote that brochure and thought that either aspect of the description was flattering! In spite of my gratitude for the non-cancerous diagnosis, I still left the office feeling like I had one foot in the grave.
Not many weeks after that, another non-gentle man who was providing service to an item of mine commented about how much my granddaughter will be delighted to inherit it. My daughter is 12.
Yes, I know I COULD have a grandchild at this age in my life, but I do like to think I don't look like it.
So if you see me this year, especially if I'm pushing my 81-year-old mom in her wheelchair, please don't ask me if I'm her sister. I'll love you forever for it.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 43:5
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About Me
- Mocha with Linda
- I'm in my "fabulous fifties" and my husband and I have been married 25 years. We have a son and a daughter who are both in college. so we are reluctantly entering the empty-nest years. I was an RN in my former (pre-kids) life which comes in handy as I serve in our church's care ministry. Chatting over a cup of coffee with a friend to encourage and support one another (and share a laugh or even a tear) is one of my favorite things to do.
Wow, I can't believe that you are 40 something! Your writing sounds so thirty-something. How is that for flattery. LOL!! I'm glad that you got your sidebar stuff figured out. I was away for a couple of days. I can send you an email about the pretty stuff. :)
ReplyDeletebarnacles of old age?
ReplyDeleteyep, a dude totally wrote that. I think I sense a new career calling for you - gently stated doc office brochures..:)
Lisa
"barnacles of old age"...that's a new one to me. Sounds like something off of Spongebob Squarepants. Cheer up girl, 40 is the new 30, so I am told! Since I am getting close, I am totally buying that one!
ReplyDeleteKelli
Girls, you made my day and now I feel so official with visitors and comments and everything! :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd Darlene, with your encouraging flattery, you can be my friend anytime.
Hi Linda!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog while visiting with "The Preachers Wife". I Love your new blog and am so glad I have found a kindred spirit that is just now starting the blogging thing too! (I wrote my first post on Dec 23!) I'm very green!
Now, let me see... I don't see any barnacles from my perspective, in fact......you look every bit of 23 years old to me! :)
Have a blessed day!
Denise C