My grandfather moved into a retirement community at the age of 93. Before doing so, he passed his annual driving test, probably just to show us that he could. A week or two later, he sold his car and gave up driving completely. It was his choice.
And just to show us that he had a sense of humor about the whole thing, he once gave me a folded, photocopied page with the following joke on it:
A group of seniors were sitting around talking about all their ailments.
“My arms have gotten so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee,” said one.
“Yes, I know,” said another. “My cataracts are so bad, I can’t even see my coffee.”
“I couldn’t even mark an ‘X’ at election time, my hands are so crippled,” volunteered a third.
“What? Speak up! I can’t hear you!” said another.
“I can’t turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck,” said one woman.
“My blood pressure pills make me so dizzy!” exclaimed another.
“I forget where I am—and where I’m going!” another admitted.
“I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old,” winced an old woman as she slowly shook his head.
The others nodded in agreement.
“Well, count your blessings,” said an old man. “At least we can all still drive!”
Love this! When I was working for a local CPA, one of our clients came in on his 96th birthday. He had just renewed his driver’s license for another four years. He was still living in his home and drove 15 miles to grocery shop, go to church, and visit his accountant. He never had to give up living at home. And he didn’t look a day over 75 when he died. Some people just age and weather well.
Loved the story! When the sense of humor goes, you might as will give it all up. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for stopping by, Judith! We were glad that Gramp decided on his own to give up driving (before anything dangerous happened). It’s a difficult decision, but I think it’s better if you can make that decision yourself.
That was one of Gramps’ greatest attributes–that he could poke fun at himself! Not taking yourself too seriously is a lesson many people (myself included) need to learn. Thanks, Gramps, for being a wonderful example of humility!
Yeah, I think he learned that later in life, which is another quality I admire in him—lifelong learning. :)
That is sooo funny and sooo Gramps!
I know, right? I miss him.