Would You Quit at Age 91?
Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am
© 2010 Dr. Judy Krings
What has the tenacity of a bulldog, the courage of a lion, and the perseverance of a Mt. Everest climber? My 91 year old mom! Can you imagine the effort it takes to learn how to operate a computer at her age?
Never mind that she has a cochlear implant and can’t hear true sounds nor nuance.
Never mind that she fell, broke her leg, and was told that she may not walk again. She decided to walk again, anyway. Physical Therapy everyday for months, but her walker awaits her, and off she trots to her assisted living dining room.
Never mind that she has to hold the phone with one hand and work the computer with her other because a headset won’t work with her phone.
She never complains other than she is concerned that it is too hard for me!
Yes, she gets frustrated, and so do I. But she never gives up. If we can’t get it accomplished, I call lovely Alicia, our favorite activities organizer, and she will go down to Mom’s room to help.
Not one who wants to cause me chagrin, Mom will offer, “Let’s just forget about it!” Like that is going to happen.
OK, so I used to be a behavior and learning disabilities teacher. No one said I was great at it. But I try to teach Mom as well as I can. Some days it is like the blind leading the blind, though Mom would remind you she is deaf, not blind.
Mom is my hero.
- Who is yours?
- Who reminds you never to quit?
- What can you learn from their courage and stick-to-it-iv-ness?
That Mom can write and return an email is right up there with writing the great American novel. Hers is just a tad bit shorter.
What a surprise! I was off my usual routine today as I read the paper first after I had my bath. Then I went to exercise class. I opened up you email up late, and there I was! I am honored and don’t deserve to feel like ‘Queen for a Day.’
I am not good on the computer, but at least I keep trying. Some days I just shut it off so we both can cool down. I am so grateful to be a part of your web site. I am so proud of what you can do. I’ll stick with the easy stuff. 91 isn’t for sissies, but I can still learn. I wanted you to know how grateful I am.
Love,
Mom