How did we do life before we had smartphones? I could write numerous posts about how this
little instrument has changed the way I navigate through life…some good and
some not so good. But for today, I am
just going to focus on one aspect of it…the sending and receiving of short
videos to and from my grandchildren.
Since I have not yet learned how to bilocate, there are times when I am
not able to be present for one of their activities, like yesterday’s “away”
football game for Gabe’s team. Jay and I
attend all of his home games and Murphy’s Law…the one we miss is the one where
he catches a pass and runs 40 yards before being tackled! But, not to fear, on the bus on his way back to the school, Gabe sent me a text with a little video attached showing me in real
time the execution of this wonderful moment!
As for Gino and Jessie…they are 2 ½ and 1 years old. Everyday brings a new accomplishment and I
get to see it on a video text…first steps, dirty chocolate hands and cheeks, a
new monster mask, singing a new song, playing at the playground.
Sometimes, like this morning, I received a “Good Morning, Mima” video
from the 2 of them both chattering to me.
So I decided to reciprocate and I took a selfie video of me talking to
them, thanking them for the morning message and asking about their day. Charlotte said they loved it so I played it
back to me to see what they saw.
Here comes the “not so good” part of this little
instrument. Have you ever looked at
yourself on an up-close-and-personal selfie video! Do I really look like that! It is not complimentary. So aged, so weathered, so worn. That is not
how I look in my mind. It was sobering.
Later in the morning I dragged my aged, weathered and worn
body to the clubhouse for the weekly yoga class. As I sat on my mat and stretched over my
outstretched leg, I looked at it.
The
skin is dry despite the lotion I lather on.
There are little age spots I keep saying are freckles. I found myself
massaging my leg and I became overwhelmed with a feeling of great tenderness. I realized that this leg is 75 years
old. It is still serving me well. I am able to take short hikes with my friend,
Cindy. I am able to stoop to weed my
garden. I am able to push the double
stroller with two toddlers. I looked at
my arms and hands, both reflecting the passage of time, and think of how I am
able to knit, cook meals, change diapers, even hoist up my “big boy” Gino,
caress Jay’s cheek.
I felt a tremendous
sense of gratitude for this body of mine, this aged, weathered and worn body of mine.
It is not giving up yet. The
privilege of growing older is the best thing that has happened to me. Rather than delete my selfies, I will rejoice
in the fact that I am still here, that today is one more opportunity to begin
again…to tell those in my life that I love them...to drink another glass of wine... to listen to a happy song...to laugh with my husband...to try to have a positive impact. But I think I will still refrain from selfies! I am not blind! But, I am grateful!
(Note: This is the first time I have embedded videos in a post, so I apologize in advance if they don't work!)