Some time ago I asked our good friend Dr. Louis Leone, now 101, about aging. He said “ Well it takes a little longer to get over some affliction” . I agree and spend an inordinate amount of time repairing warn out parts.
A couple of years ago I had some surgery at the Brigham in Boston. The surgeon came and chatted with me, then the anesthesiologist, and I thought I was finished when two very pleasant young doctors came in and introduced themselves as neurologists. “ We are here to assess your cognitive ability. It’s routine”. That made me think !
Luckily my brain seems to be still working, and I continue to practice medicine although in a setting where others do much of the work. Ed has encouraged me to do more writing, and I think I will morph into that as I think writing remembrances is important . Keep writing, Ed.
What a wonderful blog to read this morning! I have a little proverb posted on my bulletin board in my office. "Never regret growing old, many are denied the privilege." I am, sadly, proof of this. My mother died at 38, my father at 45, my brother at 49 and my other brother at 59. while I certainly live a very different lifestyle than all of then, it's still astonishing to me. The day I turned 60, I clicked my heels with joy, so happy that I had outlived that "curse". I try so very hard to appreciate my life at every stage, although it's still quite astonishing to glance in the mirror and see my elderly auntie starting back at me!
Thank you, Ed, for another wonderful piece that elicited so many thoughtful comments from other mentors of mine. I particularly enjoyed your two photos in front of the poster of Puccini's most celebrated opera: Turandot. As an opera lover, I can't resist the temptation to call "Nessun Dorma!" (None shall sleep) the trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night ... And, of course, that famous aria ends with "All'alba vincerò!" (At dawn I shall win!) which we may want to call the ability to get up in the morning and care for those we love.
Ah, my friend, your analogies are perfect. As I noted in my piece, stuff happens during the night, But, as you imply, it is how we face the day that is so critical. One thing I try to do each day is to call a friend. It is a transfusion of good.
My Nonna said this all the time...la vecchiaia e na carogna! Wish I'd had the foresight to record all those Italian sayings, proverbs, and stories she told me.
Love this description of old, as I’m reaching that era in a few years. Good to those of us who get out, visit family. I particularly like the statement “growing with my grandchildren”. It is so true!!! Thank you, as always, for your insight.
Hi Ed, I enjoyed this piece. At 71, I’m right behind you. I especially enjoyed the eloquent, and insightful quotations. I have one for you and your readers that you may have missed. It’s from Andy Rooney who you may recall would close each episode of “60 Minutes” on CBS. I’ve never forgotten it. “Life is like a roll of tissue. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.” Keep writing, and raise two fingers of Johnny to Diane! Gus
I am nearing that Octogenarian cliff and can only see a portion of that crevasse that lies below. My father got tired of people asking how we he felt, and when asked he replied "Compared to who?" There's no question that mortality is more fully realized as one ages. There's a lot to do in the years ahead, and a lot to reminisce about. the past I, too, remain fairly active and I look forward to playing golf with you once again. What a blessed life to live in an age where our vision is almost boundless. To see what exists in the universe is humbling. To see how fragile we and our institutions are is more troubling. My hope is that there is a world for future generations to explore, admire and protect.
Ed, I am nearing that number, a year away. All I can say is that I woke up with that vein and thought, what the heck does this mean! I always enjoy your musings, keep writing
You know my history, one would think I’d be delighted to be here, however it doesn’t erase grieving over smoother skin, better hearing and eyesight oh and pretty shoes.However, most people my age have passed.
Ed, from one octo to another! You have brought me so much joy in reading this today! I’m living it with ya and it’s all so true. Hilarious but also scary! I, too, console myself in knowing that I’m still here and can enjoy our family and grandkids. Our youngest son turned 49 yesterday… the age my Dad died unexpectedly. I keep the brain oiled by my active volunteer work which also provides socialization. My mobility sucks and I use a cane, but I don’t look a day over 75!!! One day at a time is my mantra…but those days are flying by. Seems like trash pickup is now every 3 days instead of every Tuesday. I’m sure you can relate!
Susan, you are doing great, especially with your contributions to our society. here's a note: When I look out, I feel much less than my age, but when I look in the mirror in the morning, I realize I'm not there. I'm here!
So true! I’ll be 85 in just a few months but as I tell my children I don’t think that age. However, my body reminds me every day that I am that old!! Damn!!!
Some time ago I asked our good friend Dr. Louis Leone, now 101, about aging. He said “ Well it takes a little longer to get over some affliction” . I agree and spend an inordinate amount of time repairing warn out parts.
A couple of years ago I had some surgery at the Brigham in Boston. The surgeon came and chatted with me, then the anesthesiologist, and I thought I was finished when two very pleasant young doctors came in and introduced themselves as neurologists. “ We are here to assess your cognitive ability. It’s routine”. That made me think !
Luckily my brain seems to be still working, and I continue to practice medicine although in a setting where others do much of the work. Ed has encouraged me to do more writing, and I think I will morph into that as I think writing remembrances is important . Keep writing, Ed.
Great note, Fred. Yes, you MUST keep writing.
Your book, "Dr. Fitz Stories" makes us want more.
My mom at age 88 still says, “ La vecchiaia e una carrogna e chi non ci arriva e una vergogna. (My hubby sends his best!)
Great old phrase, Cristina. Bless your Mom. And your husband. Thanks.
What a wonderful blog to read this morning! I have a little proverb posted on my bulletin board in my office. "Never regret growing old, many are denied the privilege." I am, sadly, proof of this. My mother died at 38, my father at 45, my brother at 49 and my other brother at 59. while I certainly live a very different lifestyle than all of then, it's still astonishing to me. The day I turned 60, I clicked my heels with joy, so happy that I had outlived that "curse". I try so very hard to appreciate my life at every stage, although it's still quite astonishing to glance in the mirror and see my elderly auntie starting back at me!
Lovely
Bless you.
Thank you, Ed, for another wonderful piece that elicited so many thoughtful comments from other mentors of mine. I particularly enjoyed your two photos in front of the poster of Puccini's most celebrated opera: Turandot. As an opera lover, I can't resist the temptation to call "Nessun Dorma!" (None shall sleep) the trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night ... And, of course, that famous aria ends with "All'alba vincerò!" (At dawn I shall win!) which we may want to call the ability to get up in the morning and care for those we love.
Ah, my friend, your analogies are perfect. As I noted in my piece, stuff happens during the night, But, as you imply, it is how we face the day that is so critical. One thing I try to do each day is to call a friend. It is a transfusion of good.
Tante belle cose.
Allora, la vecchiaia non è una carogna! Meno male.
Ah, mio amico, Dr. Mario Vigliani, diceva, "Povero vecchio, si tira avanti."
Ci provo ogni giorno, Tomasso.
My mom at age 88 still says, “ La vecchiaia e una carogna e chi non ci arriva e una vergogna! (My hubby sends his regards!)
My Nonna said this all the time...la vecchiaia e na carogna! Wish I'd had the foresight to record all those Italian sayings, proverbs, and stories she told me.
AH, go online and look up a book, 'Diceva la Mia Nonna." You will find many of those sayings if the book is still in print.
Thank you!
Love this description of old, as I’m reaching that era in a few years. Good to those of us who get out, visit family. I particularly like the statement “growing with my grandchildren”. It is so true!!! Thank you, as always, for your insight.
Thank you, Valerie. I'm pleased you appreciated it. Yes, we are grandchildren groupies; follow them everywhere!
😂😂😂 loved this piece❣️❣️Just turned 80 myself (3/2) and am still surprised I’m among the living. 😳😊
Bless you, Elizabeth. Thanks for the note.
Dr Ed. Congratulations on your age, attitude and sense of humor.
Lora
Thanks, Lora, much appreciated. Lots of good vibes about it.
Greatvread Ed, as always, thank you.❤️
Thank you. Laurie. Lots of positive response.
Hi Ed, I enjoyed this piece. At 71, I’m right behind you. I especially enjoyed the eloquent, and insightful quotations. I have one for you and your readers that you may have missed. It’s from Andy Rooney who you may recall would close each episode of “60 Minutes” on CBS. I’ve never forgotten it. “Life is like a roll of tissue. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.” Keep writing, and raise two fingers of Johnny to Diane! Gus
Thanks, Gus. You are a little more than right behind me. I loved Rooney and love his quote.
Thank you.
A two-finger snort tonight it is.
I am nearing that Octogenarian cliff and can only see a portion of that crevasse that lies below. My father got tired of people asking how we he felt, and when asked he replied "Compared to who?" There's no question that mortality is more fully realized as one ages. There's a lot to do in the years ahead, and a lot to reminisce about. the past I, too, remain fairly active and I look forward to playing golf with you once again. What a blessed life to live in an age where our vision is almost boundless. To see what exists in the universe is humbling. To see how fragile we and our institutions are is more troubling. My hope is that there is a world for future generations to explore, admire and protect.
Your comment nails it, Larry . . . To see how fragile we and our institutions are is more troubling.
I follow the Aboriginal mantra to live in the moment, not necessarily day-to-day, but moment-to-moment.
But, as you say, we have more to do; golf high on the agenda.
Ed,
This is high among your best writings. And every sentiment hits home!
Ned O’Donnell
Thank you, Ned. You are most kind. It is the best compliment an author can receive.
You are an amazing writer!! Loved it
And you are most kind.
Got to embrace these “Golden Years! It’s all we got! From another “Octegenarian”!🥰
One day at a time is working so far, Sheila. Hugs
Ed, I am nearing that number, a year away. All I can say is that I woke up with that vein and thought, what the heck does this mean! I always enjoy your musings, keep writing
Diana
Thanks, Diana. HaHa. As I said, things happen during the night, a poltergeist or something like that.
You know my history, one would think I’d be delighted to be here, however it doesn’t erase grieving over smoother skin, better hearing and eyesight oh and pretty shoes.However, most people my age have passed.
I certainly understand, Diana. I count my blessings; the brown spots everywhere because the more I have, the longer I am here.
And buy sneakers. There are some classy ones out there. HaHa
Be delighted. I am.
Ed, from one octo to another! You have brought me so much joy in reading this today! I’m living it with ya and it’s all so true. Hilarious but also scary! I, too, console myself in knowing that I’m still here and can enjoy our family and grandkids. Our youngest son turned 49 yesterday… the age my Dad died unexpectedly. I keep the brain oiled by my active volunteer work which also provides socialization. My mobility sucks and I use a cane, but I don’t look a day over 75!!! One day at a time is my mantra…but those days are flying by. Seems like trash pickup is now every 3 days instead of every Tuesday. I’m sure you can relate!
💝 Susan
Susan, you are doing great, especially with your contributions to our society. here's a note: When I look out, I feel much less than my age, but when I look in the mirror in the morning, I realize I'm not there. I'm here!
So true! I’ll be 85 in just a few months but as I tell my children I don’t think that age. However, my body reminds me every day that I am that old!! Damn!!!
Your mind writes a check that your body can't cash.