Aging...the Upward Climb

   When our two youngest grandsons come over to the house, they usually head down to the basement to play. The main room downstairs is unfurnished, an ideal place for the boys to rebound balls off the cement block walls, run around, scream and work off energy.

   One day I happened to peek down the stairs to see what was going on and found them playing with Al’s knee walker and the regular walker I used after my hip surgery. Nate (8) had extended the side rails on the walker had so that they were about shoulder level rather than waist high.

   Evidently the boys enjoyed playing stilts with the walker, trying to hold on to the top rails and putting their feet on the bottom railing. By tilting from side to side, they could move it along by a series of short hops.

   Al’s knee walker, helpful for him while recovering from surgery on his ankle and foot, made a pretty good scooter—especially when sitting on the kneeling pad and scooting around with both feet. With one boy using the walker and the other the scooter, they were playing tag “old people” style!

   “So are all grandmas and grandpas old?” I asked Nate, after watching this amusing game for awhile.

   “Oh yes! Very, very old!” he replied emphatically.

   It was a moment of truth for me; and after looking at all of the equipment we were storing, I could see how he came to that conclusion. Somehow our bodies have a way of bringing us back to reality, even though we might not feel like we are aging. And if our bodies don’t do it, mirrors and children will!

   Once I asked Al’s mom how old she felt and was surprised when she responded, “Oh, about nineteen!” She was in her eighties at the time! Now that I’m in my seventh decade, it’s easier to understand. Sometimes I have to restrain myself from joining the boys in their antics!

   After all four of our parents had passed away, Al and I realized that we, being the oldest siblings in our respective families, were probably next in line to go. That was a sobering thought, especially as we looked at the journey ahead, one that seemed difficult and uphill, like having to climb the tallest mountain peak at the end of the long backpack.

   In a way, facing death reminds me of ascending Mt. Whitney in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. In the summer of 1993, Al and I hiked from Onion Valley, crossed Kearsarge Pass and went southward along the John Muir trail towards the famous peak. On the morning of the eighth day, we started up the ‘back’ or west side of Mt. Whitney. By that time I was tired of carrying my pack which seemed to grow heavier with every step.

   When we reached Whitney Pass, a freezing wind was blowing furiously. After a very brief discussion, we decided to make the descent to our car at Whitney Portal rather than continuing on to the summit. It was a long, disappointing day, but all in all a great backpacking adventure.

   Two years later we tried again by going directly up the mountain from Whitney Portal. We left our backpacks at the base camp which was easier; but it was still a strenuous hike on an icy trail. Reaching the pass, we hiked along a narrow ridge with sheer drops on both sides. Very exciting! And the 360 degree view at the top of the 14,500 foot peak was awesome, worth every step of the way.    For those who live to a very old age, the body grows weaker, more vulnerable and fragile. Breathing is often more difficult and help is usually needed in walking and performing daily tasks as are courage and inner strength. But for those who have put their trust in Christ, the final destination is amazing!

   Dear Father, please help Your children who are near the end of life. Give them faith, perseverance and the necessary strength until they pass from this world to be in Your presence forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me...” Psalm 23:4a NIV

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15 NIV