My Golden Years?

My Golden Years?

(Yawn)…As I am too bothered to write something new, please revisit this old, laundered My Odd Sock…

 

 

We as MSers have heard all the innocent comments made by others.

We’re so good at accepting them, we just let them roll off our backs like rain on an umbrella.

But one comment made to me numerous times over the past year really twists my pit hair.

“So how are you enjoying retirement?”said a huggable elderly friend.  I understood the intent of her question and those made by others are not meant to harm.  But dang, that one stings like vinyl seats on a hot, sunny day!

 

Her harmless query floated from her crimson lipstick-caked lips–but it walloped me upside the head with the force of a Mike Tyson roundhouse.

Honestly I would have been more comfortable had she asked…”So how does it feel to have your body’s own immune system eating away at your myelin sheath?”

I could accept THAT one easier than questioning my “retirement!”

 

Happy retirement!

 

 

When I think of retirement, I picture an informal gathering in the lobby where I would be presented with a gold watch, a piece of cake and a smattering of applause.

 

 

shuffleboard 2

 

“Retirement” is hanging with the other geezers on the shuffleboard court.

Comparing surgery scars.

Arguing who’s the best quarterback in the day.

 

early bird dining

 

 

And enjoying a 4:15 pm “early bird” dinner special!

 

 

 

Retirement?  Are you crazy lady?  I’m only 47 years old!

I’m too young to qualify for a membership to AARP!  Too young to let the belt of my coat hang out the car door.  Much too young for reruns of “Murder, She Wrote.”

Would rather eat tree bark.

 

 

And fiber?  Got plenty of fiber when I was in grade school gnawing on my pencils.

I’m too young yet to consider adding fiber to my diet.

 

 

“I asked about your retirement?” she said again.  Her voice bringing me back into the moment.

I smiled and responded “Sorry, I was just thinking of some things.”  Then added “I’m not really retired–I’m on disability.”

 

It’s getting easier handling that question, but it still throws me.

Have you been asked?  How do you handle it?

I realized this situation is familiar to some (but not all) of us with multiple sclerosis.  And it is a minute aspect in the grand scheme…but it means alot in personal pride, spirit & wellness.

sock

5 Replies to “My Golden Years?”

  1. Retirement comments and questions don’t bother me. After all, I am retired in the true sense of the word. Retirement simply means, not working. Plus here in Canada, a lot of people retire at 55, so maybe we view the whole thing in a different way.

  2. Yes, yes, yes!! I am asked that question all the time, and I give the same answer as you. It usually goes as follows:
    “I heard you were a teacher and a principal. So now you’re what — retired?”
    “No, I’m on disability.”
    “So, you’ll go back to teaching?”
    “No, I can’t.”
    “So, you’re retired?”
    “Arggggggh!!!”

    This is not how I pictured retirement — and I know my husband saw it differently as well. Sometimes, it really gets to me!
    Peace,
    Muff

  3. Intriguing article. I know I’m a little late in posting my comment but the article was to the point and just the information I was looking for. I can’t say that I agree with all you mentioned but it was emphatically fascinating! BTW…I found your site through a Google search. I’m a frequent visitor to your blog and will return again soon.

  4. I refer to myself as retired. Like Karen, I really am retired in every sense. Since I look too young to retire–and I use a cane–people sometimes inquire about the circumstances. I don’t mind either way.

  5. I guess I’m a bit luckier than many. I retired in January 2010 at the ripe old age of 67. I did leave my job as I had worked it the last several years, in a wheelchair. Having no use of my legs, I made it a point on my last day to go around the building telling everyone, “Well I won’t have you to kick around any more!”. Good luck to you all!