Old Age Shuffle

Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Subject: Joe : A True Story

In separate cars, we entered the parking lot. I was able to find parking near the end of the lot. I walked toward the front of the building and came upon Joe. Keys in hand, he was just getting out of his car. In his car, my mom has one of those handicap parking signs that you hang from the rearview mirror. Thus, he parked in Handicap. Front Row. "Great!" I thought, "we can walk in together."

We began our approach to the entrance. Joe was shuffling along like an old man. Since I've known him, Joe has always been so agile. I realized I haven't been paying close attention to my parents for quite some time now. "How old are you now?" I inquired. He told me he was 88, reminded me that they had recently celebrated the birthdays in February. He and his sister, Bev. They share the same birthdate. Same day, different years.

I was overcome with a feeling of helplessness. He was walking like such an old man. I will have to report this sudden sign of aging to Gregg and Debbie. "Joe," I asked with great concern, "do you realize you are walking differently than usual?" I don't remember how he responded to that question. Perhaps he acknowledged with a yes. I specifically asked him, "when did you start walking like this?" Joe replied, "Just after I hung up the handicap sign."