At around 60, my athletic papa began to creak. He had arthritis and it seemed to fly in from left field, unannounced, no pageantry, for his 60th birthday. Dad loved golf and sports of all sorts, so giving into his aches and pains was a hurdle. 😉 He tried to ignore and dismiss, but we noticed. He’d joke that he just needed a minute, upon standing, to get his ‘wheels in motion’ because his ankles, especially, would stiffen up later in the day. He didn’t complain but he did adjust his lifestyle a bit, enjoying swimming and lower impact activities like bocce ball.
Looking back, I realize this was when he began to take famously long showers in the morning, enjoying the benefits of extra steam for sore muscles. He was always an early riser, but he got up earlier and earlier. No, not always because he was headed to his beloved golf course for an extra-early tee time. Most days, he was up and at ‘em at the crack of dawn so he could use up all the hot water and allow time for the tank to refill, before anyone else needed to shower.
He had other self-care hacks. It took a lot for him to give into a recliner, never wanting to be a “Lazy-Boy” himself but relishing the relief. He and my mom visited their friends Bea and Ray who had ultra-luxe, tandem recliners. His and hers – a matched set. When dad’s inner decorator demurred, he decided the benefits of elevation for his achey feet outweighed his snobby disdain for oversized “ugly chairs”, and he purchased two cushy recliners for he and mom.
Oooohhh…. they were cozy Ultrasuede hugs, and I loved watching him fight the urge to nap when we visited. He’d laugh as his eyes got heavy and say he might close his eyes, but only to “check for light leaks” at which time he’d nod off, typically for a few minutes only — but it was enough of an afternoon siesta to provide relief to his feet and good energy for the remainder of the day.
That year for Christmas, he gifted our not-quite-two-year-old daughter with her own kiddy recliner. All pink and poofy, so she could nap next to Grandpa. One day when I track down a pic of my favorite snore babies, I promise to share.
But for now, if you have a minute, pop over to Heart of the Matter this morning to see my silly post about my own aches and pains. I promise you’ll giggle with me. I just know it.
Vicki 😉
Victoria Ponders 
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