From Where I Sit

By Pat Spilseth, Columnist

Sitting on our deck overlooking Carman’s Bay, I’ve been watching summer lazily drift by. Content to relax looking out at the activity and peacefulness of the lake,  I’m  living the life of those characters from that favorite 1981 movie  On Golden Pond.

Remember that movie of an aging couple starring Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn spending an idyllic summer at their cabin in New England, maybe Maine or New Hampshire? Their marriage of many years is loving; they’re devoted to each other. Hepburn is exceedingly patient with her husband, the cantankerous professor who is showing signs of dementia.

Dave and I are aging too, now in our “senior years,” slowing down but still feeling youthful some days. We’re not ready to give up the lake and our friends here on the Point…not quite yet. We’re like the regular returning loons who float past our dock most days with their haunting call. Loons are known for their allegiance to their mate like marriage asks fidelity of human couples.

Reading today’s Sunday paper, I see another obituary of a friend. The obits are reoccurring page turners… another illness, another death of someone my age, notices of funerals of someone I know.

How does one deal with this new reality? At this stage of living, many of us are facing a new reality we need to prepare for. Pat Miles, former channel WCCO news announcer, has written a book on preparing for this new, often unexpected and unplanned, stage of life. Her helpful book “Before All is Said and Done” gives practical advice on living and dying well.

How quickly life can change. Friends are moving on, paring down unneeded possessions and giving away treasures, selling their homes, checking out senior one-story residences. Several neighbors are considering moving to a warmer climate, trying to get rid of high taxes and extra living expenses.

It can be a sad time for some, but others are able to look at their move as a new adventure. Fresh ideas; new people; modern residences. Attitude is so important…

Speaking of a good attitude, yesterday we attended a friend’s birthday party for Atwood (Sonny) Larson whose eyes are better than mine when we figure where puzzle pieces belong. Sonny is still very active and social at 102 years old! I think his son Gary has booked the same party room for Sonny’s 103rd birthday bash next year.

Friday, our six-year-old granddaughter Charli spent the day with Dave and me at our home watching the cardinals,  hummingbirds and wrens enjoying our bird feeders, mixing paints and watercoloring, solving puzzles, playing solitaire and mahjong on my iPad and putting together a pasta salad for dinner. Charli  keeps us busy all day. We love her imaginative stories about castles, crowns with gems and the three husbands she says she has. Grandkids are here to keep us young. But by evening we’re pooped! My mom Esther always said to make friends of all ages.

News of another friend being moved to comfort care saddens me but when I pause and remember happy memories of our writing group, discussing books, sharing meals, good talks and honest critiques of our views, I’m feeling content once more. Kathi is being kept comfortable surrounded by family, friends and excellent medical care. Life with her family, granddaughters and her devoted dog Honey, sky diving, floating in a hot air balloon and traveling has been a great adventure for Kathi.   

Her faith sustains her with comfort of a better life ahead… perhaps with a golden pond to enjoy.

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To contact Pat, email: pat.spilseth@gmail.com.