SuZan Klassen

Have you noticed a theme running through some of my recent blog posts? Aging and signs of aging. Ugh.

For the past several months, walking has not only been painful, but downright awkward.

I walk like an old cowboy who has spent the last 40+ years in the saddle. Maybe that’s what happened to the old guy in the featured photo above. He’s missing his boots.

Since arthritis runs in my family, I thought it was just age-progression or too much time in the chair. You know? Being a good writer—bottom in chair and all that rot.

X-rays in the fall showed nothing. After several months of trying various things, including acupuncture, I went back to my doctor a few weeks ago.

The MRI he ordered showed multiple lesions on my bones. Surprise! You have cancer.

Tests will begin soon to determine the source of the cancer. A treatment plan can begin once they have all the info they need.

Never would I have thought cancer was the issue.

Muscle strains perhaps, or the need for a good exercise or stretching routine, and/or better ergonomic seating. Those were logical explanations. Osteoarthritis or even osteoporosis occurred to me as logical explanations. But never bone cancer.

My sister and I have compared our different symptoms. You may remember when I wrote about her cancer in an earlier post. We laughed over our maudlin jokes. She said, “This is old people talk.”

A friend and I chatted via email. We compared notes about our cancers. She told me about her wise purchase of a shower chair and about how grateful she was to have installed a grab bar in her shower. It made me slightly envious.

Taking a shower is exhausting. I have to encourage myself mentally first. I can do this.

Oh, my goodness! We really do sound like old people.

In our culture being old is looked down upon. We revere being young and brave and fit.

We don’t even think about the bravery
it takes to grow older.

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31

The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. Proverbs 20:29

Gray hair or not, I’ve begun to wonder, is it time for me to embrace the splendor?

Until next time . . . Travel Light,
SuZan

© 2021 SuZan Klassen. All Rights Reserved.