Half-Price

Reality.

I always still think I am young; no extra data on the numbers of pressure, cholesterol and strong physical gait. But the ticket that I purchased at the TBS terminal on a journey home to see my parents last weekend told me otherwise.

I am entitled to half price on the bus.

Why ?

The sales girls told me I am already of age; I belong to the veteran group now.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that I am really a veteran already.

So, what next?

How do I behave?

It is difficult to organise my thoughts, really.

My parents have always been my measure of what vitality means.

Mum is strong in spirit but physically challenged after a fall.

Dad has always been the epitome of great health.

But the degenerative effect of the nervous system has a grim effect on movements.

So my dear parents are facing the sober realities of ageing.

Today, I went with dad to our usual haunt; the Ah Pek Teochew noodles stall. 

Kung loves to eat. He misses his breakfast treats because Por Por; his constant companion is challenged by the fall. So, at every opportunity, accompanied by loved ones, he will want those treats again. This was one morning. On the trip home, he asked for those noodles. See, Kung is so handsome even at 96. I gazed at him with so much pride. He is living a commendable existence; works hard, is not slothful and still pays income tax. My sister keeps ranting that he must be the oldest person to contribute actively to the nation. He can easily call it quits; but he does otherwise. He can easily dodge that tax; but he chooses otherwise.
 My father, I am proud of you.

As we drove home, Kung reflectively reiterated that it is hard for him to accept that he sometimes limps because of that sudden loss of energy. He says it is because of his age; that though he does not have major ailments, the degenerative state crops in undoubtedly. I am saddened by this reality. But that are facts of life we have to face. The best antidote is to enjoy every moment possible with him.

This walking stick never struck me like before. Many an old folk needs aid from it. When I chose to open my eyes, I saw at least a couple strolling in the coffee shop with it. Now I no longer doubt the need for it. My mother needs it for the moment to aid her walk after that dreadful fall.She is trying very hard to gain normalcy. 

 Who would ever imagine my parents having to be aided by that chair? Arrogance has to be removed and humility must come in. That sometimes we need to submit to reality and facts of life. Por Por needs it now for movement but we really hope she will outgrow that over dependence.

We now know that Kung cannot enjoy a long stroll anymore. So, on a trip to Singapore last weekend, we insisted that he climbed onto that chair. He related that it would be total embarrassment but we assured him that he was not in Muar. That there was no one to recognise him; that it was perfectly acceptable. He agreed and so he had a treat around the mall. But I have yet to accept the reality of it.

So,the reality of ageing is there.

It needs to be accepted.

So, we pray for God's grace; that we be seen through them.