(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - Letter to the Editor)

Think about how romantic it was, as a young person in love, to walk holding your sweetheart’s hand. I remember how I thought it was so sweet to see an old couple holding hands. They must have been together for years and years, still in love and holding hands. Yesterday, so I didn’t have to take my cane into the grocery store, my husband held my hand until we got to the buggies. Then I could hold onto one of them for balance. Sure, it was nice having him hold my hand after 55 years together, but it was for stability while walking, not for romance.

I have been telling some of my doctors what I do to keep busy. I sew clothes and aprons, make jewelry, and greeting cards. I enjoy playing board games with my grandchildren and neighbor children. When I bake and cook my favorites, I often share with family and friends. I take photos for friends and at special occasions. I still like to dance, especially with my husband. Doctors like the fact that I don’t let my physical problems stop me from doing what I love. One doctor told me on my last visit, “You’re awesome.” I kind of liked that he told me that.

Last weekend a friend told another, “She’s still out there dancing. Even when she went back to her chair she was chair dancing. She doesn’t give up.” As we left to go home a couple said how nice it was to see us out there dancing. I’ve had a lot of people tell me how they liked seeing me/us still out on the dance floor. Sometimes I worry that I look foolish but whenever someone says anything about it they are always complimentary. So I keep doing what I want. I keep going.

There may come a day I can’t dance any more. When I bake, I may let my husband help clean up. (Isn’t he lucky?) I may move a little slower while getting my projects finished. It’s all a part of getting older. Why let it stop me from enjoying life though? Every morning when I put my feet on the floor and am able to stand, I thank God for another day. I don’t always have plans for exactly what I’ll do. Some days I play it a little lazy. Yet, every day I have is a valuable gift I want to enjoy.

Think about your life. Do you enjoy what you do? Do you do things with or for others? You may be busy with all the things you need to do but try to enjoy your life at the same time. Find pleasure in the little blessings we have. Just smiling at someone else can be a pick-me-up. Remember, something like holding hands can be as simple as an expression of young love, or as deep as trust and support from someone you’ve shared a lifetime with. Now get out there and enjoy life.

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna