Originally Posted by BSLeVan (Post 7063494)

No!, Fight until you can't fight anymore. My father is in his mid 80s and still pushing it. This despite having two knee replacements, surgery on his spine to relieve spinal stenosis, and currently dealing with prostrate cancer. On my last visit he was on a ladder checking the cap on the house's chimney. My mother said that earlier in the day we was moving soil in the wheelbarrow from one part of his massive garden to another. He rises each day and fills it with activity. Hell, he's more active than most 60 year olds I know, including my older brother, his oldest son. Is he as strong as he was? No. Is he as flexible as he was? No. Is he as fast as he was? No. Does he have the endurance that he once did? No. But despite all of this, he's still pushing it. I believe that as soon as you "admit" that it's time to slow down, you've started on a downward spiral that accelerates. To use an automobile as a metaphor... his engine isn't what it used to be, but everytime he starts it up, he's pedal to the metal.

Originally Posted by BSLeVan (Post 7067817)

Yen, I remember your posting about the loss of your father. I'm sorry it's still so painful for you. As you already know, men such as these are role models of the highest kind... even for those of us over 50. I hope the pain in your heart is less with each passing month and that your fond remembrance of him grows stronger.

Originally Posted by Yen (Post 7067703)

You just described my dad, who lived that way until he died a few months ago at 88 years young (I can't believe I just said it -- "died" -- I think that's the first time.:(). Unfortunately, it was a fall down the stairs in the dark that took his life -- something that could happen to anyone at any age. Even at 88, he saw himself as the youngest person in a room full of grey-haired folks when in fact he may have been the oldest. He got up every morning and set out to live life to the fullest.

We need to focus on what we can still do, and do that to our fullest capacity.

Originally Posted by Siu Blue Wind (Post 7068638)

Yen, The good thing about your dad it seems is the legacy that he left. Look at how you feel and are talking about him. How at 88 years old he still felt as if he wasn't. That's awesome...((hugs))

Denver, Yes, I do get the feel of this subforum (I already knew it, that's why I'm here "early") and I do understand. Honest. You all are very supportive and only those here can understand what IS here. I gotcha, Denver. I do. :)

Just to let you all know, I went again on a power walk, this time alone and in the proper attire. I think I did pretty good....Like it was said earlier, it's something that you have to get used to - and I WILL. This is going to be a new thing for me to add to my exercise regime. I'm going to keep this up and get stronger. :thumb:

Thanks to all of you. :o

Originally Posted by Terrierman (Post 7070144)

^^ You can stay.

Originally Posted by Yen (Post 7067703)

He got up every morning and set out to live life to the fullest.