Gosh, the milestones of growing older!
I have been successfully fending off some encroaching and increasing health problems, but I have some issues still remaining — and today, for the first time, I said to our household people going down to the spring to fetch water, "I'm sorry, I'm not going with you." I ordered some cases of Hildon water (in glass bottles not plastic) instead.
And, our car having now been sold, none of us will be going up to Sainsburys — the only place where oily fish canned in tomato sauce without sugar is sold — so I've placed a Sainsburys order to be delivered.
I can feel myself swimming further out to sea . . . Jeepers.
My dear hope in growing old is to maintain and support the functioning of all my body systems for the longest possible time. I have no fear of death whatsoever, but I am conscious that the routes considerably vary whereby one might arrive at that point. I don't mind when it comes, but I would very much like to arrive there continent, ambulant, still with my eyesight and cognitive function and teeth. If you're reading this, God, and I have forgotten something, please of your mercy add it in. I want my life to end quietly, with dignity, simply, suddenly, without fuss and alone. I don't care when.
My prayer partner Margery, who died in 2004, firmly believed no one need die of illness. She thought all illnesses could and should be healed, and that a person need only be quite simply called home when the time came — and I fully support her belief. Throughout her old age she doggedly and determinedly prayed for healing in Jesus' Name when any accident or ailment befell her. She didn't achieve her objective in every instance, but she often did and always tried.
It is the weirdest thing, isn't it, to be set free on this planet with responsibility for a human body that came with no instructions.
But when I went for my walk this morning, in the tree overhead a robin was singing, one of my favourite sounds in all the world. And our garden is in full bloom and leaf, like heaven on earth.
I am very happy; just growing old. Parts of me hurt. But I can still, so far, dodge the issues and find solutions. May it be so right up to the end.
Today, here are two sweaters I liked and bought secondhand on eBay, but in the end decided not to keep (and I won't be keeping the stretchy jacket I wrote about yesterday, either, although it is very nice).
These were Freegled.
6 comments:
You may be interested in this company https://www.thetinnedfishmarket.com/ - I have just sent my sister in law one of their gift boxes for her birthday. Not cheap - but if you like tinned fish, then their products are a special treat, beautifully presented! And the website clearly lists all the ingredients
Hi, Pen....I'm with you on this one: "I want my life to end quietly, with dignity, simply, suddenly, without fuss and alone. I don't care when." Every night when I'm in bed, the light out, and snuggled under my feather comforter, I pray, "May Almighty God grant me a peaceful night, a steady heart, a blessed repose, and a perfect end." I've added the 'steady heart' since several bouts of atrial fibrillation, which significantly increase the risk of a stroke. Both my parents were gathered up by swift angels, suddenly and when alone. Sounds like a plan!
I'm intrigued by your latest endeavors of sorting and shedding. I seem to do it sporadically, but in larger lots. I suddenly hit on a plan for the pots and pans, casseroles, vases, kitchen tools, etc., I've accumulated and haven't used in 20 years--a small group from the church who help build homes for the local Habitat for Humanity will come over sometime soon, help me gather it all up, and then deliver it to Habitat's thrift store.
Oh, and a spot of good news...2 friends joined me on June 1st for the celebration of my 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. I'll try to email you a picture and the liturgy!
Blessings and prayers, friend.
Oh — thank you very much, Angela; I'll have a look at that. I do like to eat fish, but oily fish is so powerfully smelly to cook, I have a distinct preference for cans!
40 years, Susan! That's wonderful! Thanks for your email, safely received.
Well done for taking action on the accumulation of bits and pieces, too. It can be daunting, and it sounds as though you've found a great recipient.
May your prayer be granted, for the ending of your life. May you be able to stay in your anchor-hold right to the end, and when that comes may it be quiet, simple, swift, painless and dignified. xx
Remember, I go to Sainsbury's every Thursday, so you can always ask me to pick something up for you, and I can drop it off later that day.
I remembered! It is so kind of you, but I'm aware you are already running errands for the whole Garner tribe. I'll bear it in mind, and thank you very much. xxx
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