There is a new epidemic in Marlton. I'm sure it's in other places too, but I've only really noticed it in my world. Now, I'm sure the government won't help me, and I don't think the CDC can do anything either. I guess I'm just going to have to live with it and protect myself against it as best I can!

This morning I woke up and everyone around me seemed old. Aging is supposed to be a gradual process, so why does it strike you so out-of-the-blue like this? Let me clarify....

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. I have been seeing the same general physician since we moved back to New Jersey in 1986. The only doctor I've seen otherwise was our team physician when I lived in North Carolina for about 5 years. Otherwise, Dr. Puleo has been it. (Not to bring up the time I decided he thought I was a hypochondriac and decided to see my dad's doctor, only to get the strange "Helen Keller disease" and he diagnosed me right away. But that's another story for another blog.) So, I went to see him today to see if we could change my allergy medication because I'm too tired all the time for a 28 year-old woman who gets 8 or more hours of sleep each night (my medical opinion, anyway).

I had just seen him in June, so it hadn't been all that long since I was last there. When he walked in, he just looked old. His hair was missing. There was still some left in little strands to comb across the top of his head, so I had to rule out that someone stole it while he was sleeping. He looked tired, but I guess a general physician with a pretty hefty practice during cold and flu season would look a bit tired. And I just couldn't help but think...When did he get so old?

I was supposed to go to the hospital in Camden after my appointment to finish up some work related stuff. The last time I was there I worried the whole time about someone stealing my car (Camden is 3rd in the US for crime) and driving in and out I was more worried that a cute blonde in a nice car was PRIME MEAT for carjacking. I was going to meet my mom and my grandmother's doctors appointment and switch to take HER car to Camden. (Not that it's not nice, but it has a GREAT alarm system!) Since my work appointment for noon was cancelled, I decided to stay and have breakfast with my mom, grandmom, and grandpop. Sitting across the table I realized, my grandpop has gotten old. His hari looked more grey than usual (probably because he's been running around like crazy taking care of my grandmom, who's still up and running, but after breaking her leg/hip this summer is a bit slower, not to mention almost completely blind and going deaf). It could also be because he usually wears a hat, but in any case...he just looked old.

I've been noticing it in my mom and dad more too. Mostly in their driving. They've slowed down, become more indecisive. I was trying to decide if they've always been this way and I'm just noticing it more because I drive alot (and alot more with them) or if it really is the old age disease infecting their bodies. There are other signs too...the constant saying of "Huh?" around our house, the losing of keys...or Monday when my mom swore she couldn't find her shoes...which were sitting right beside her.

I've noticed it in myself now too and am determined to stop it. Trish and I say all the time how we have the insides of an 80 year old. I don't really like the cold (not that I ever did, but I swear it gets worse every year); Don't like to be in crowds or around loud noises much; bars don't appeal to me anymore; I have done all the settling down you are supposed to do, but without any real reason behind settling down. The two key things for me have been the misplacing things, talking to myself (and answering) and not being able to remember things that happened 5 minutes ago, but I can remember years ago like they were yesterday. When my grandfather lived with us, I remember him saying he didn't shower every day because he didn't like getting wet. At the time, I thought that was an odd thing to say...but every once in awhile, on a weekend, I think the EXACT same thing! I wouldn't MIND taking a shower, but I just didn't want to be wet.

Maybe age can't be stopped, but sometimes, some days, perhaps, a little refresher of what it meant to be young and care free would be good for the soul. De Leon would have thought so!