Old Age Isn't For Wimps

Old Age Isn't For Wimps
By: Linda DePeel (c.)2009

Amanda, aka "Mandy" was a tiny little lady, well into her 90's and she had cancer. She also knew that her time on Planet Earth was not for long. But Mandy never complained.

It hurt to move, thanks to "Uncle Art-Ur-Itis" and every other time she ate, she became violently ill, thanks to "Mr. Med-I-Cine and Mr. Can-Cer." And "Mr. Weak Bladder" kept her awake at night. My heart went out to this dear little lady, who had worked hard all her life, raising a family, knowing poverty and want. But she would remain cheerful throughout the ordeal.

One night, after helping her to the bathroom and back to bed, she said to me, "You know, old age isn't for wimps!" We both laughed and she sighed. "It's heck to get old," she said, especially when everything decides to stop working. These young gals think they have the world by the tail, but one day they're going to get old, and wonder where all their pepper's gone." Next day, someone brought in a little poster, of a caricature of a little old lady and it's caption read, "Old age sure ain't for wimps!" She said that was a "real treasure". She passed away two weeks later, with a smile on her face.

I hope I can have the same courage and cheer that "Mandy" had when I get old.

Intro

This is my blog about some of my adventures in my nursing career. Some are silly, some are sad, and some will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. All are true stories, only the names have been changed to respect the people I'm referring to.

I started my career in 1975, so it's been quite a long and arduous journey, but a most rewarding one. So, please join me as I take a trip doen "Memory Lane" and enjoy!