“But now the days grow short
I’m in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
And it poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year”
A year ago I began this journey of documenting “the care and feeding of old people.” See The Wisdom of Acceptance. As you know, the concept for this blog came from my Facebook posts about Gmamma and DooDaddy. My “geezer updates” seemed to resonate with my fellow sandwich-generation friends, who are facing this new challenge of eldercare.
2016 was a year of heartache and hope, of love and loss, of getting up each day and putting one foot in front of the other behind a walker. The year began with two geezers and ended with one, as we lost my brave, beautiful, stoic mother to cancer. And while the journey continues with my father, I’m hitting the pause button on my blog, because Geezer Stories is a book, not a blog. And I have work to do to birth that book.
According to the World Health Organization, life expectancy increased by five years between 2000 and 2015, the fastest increase since the 1960s. And 70 percent of those over 65 will need some type of assistance or outside care during their lifetime, for an average of three years, according to the U.S. Census. About 8 percent of family caregivers, are, so says The New York Times, “No Spring Chickens Themselves,” as they are elders caring for their spouses. Quoting the CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, “There didn’t use to be some many 95-year-olds.”
My premise is this: Aging happens, but it doesn’t have to be a tragedy. Geezer Stories are irreverent, funny and in-your-face about life with the elderly. My anecdotes show by example how to help seniors cope and how caregivers and their geezers can grow closer in the process. Geezer Stories are meant to be uplifting, inspiring and authentic with real-life lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Like so many other caregivers, I am a single mother – working full time and still raising my own son – while serving as the primary caregiver for my parents for the past several years. And I’m tired. And I have other stories to tell.
So in the spirit of self-preservation and with a need for closure on a passion project that means everything to me, I’m signing off on the blog, at least for now, to focus on finishing the book by the same name. It’s my Geezer Resolution. That and getting DooDaddy on The Ellen Show for the book launch. Wish me luck!
DooDaddy, Christmas 2016
Go Girl!
I’m so sad to lose your weekly Geezer Stories, but I want to place an order for the book now. Wishing you tons of productivity. I know it will be inspirational.
Will miss the geezer updates, as they always entertain and I can relate so easily! But knowing there is a book coming helps! Like Annette, I’ll place my order now, please!
Love the Geezer stories, by I know where you are coming from, and I am so proud of your intention to write the Geezer book. My husband keeps telling me to write a book about our esp reinvent with Alzheimer’s, but I’m not ready yet, since. He staid goodbye to Mom and now Dad is showing signs of going the same direction. Sad but true.
It’s been a pleasure, Laura, and good luck with the book. It will, no doubt, be a best-seller and I’ll start the line for signed copies!
As we continue in our fourth and final chapter of Adventures in Aging with my m-i-l, I , too , will miss your geezer updates . I believe you will write the book that will give inspiration and relief to all who must walk this path. You have the right mix of heart tugs with cheer to enable those who must find a way to laugh or surely they will cry. Best wishes!
Sending you good vibes, love, and wishes for an unending supply of Geezer inspiration and a kick-ass 2017!!!
You have a gift Laura and I am so glad you will continue to share it. I am always interested to hear what you have to say because you have a way reaching deeper than I dare to go myself. You deliver an often difficult message with a touch of humor that makes it much more palitable and relatable . We are all faced with challenges but it sure feels good to know that we are not alone in our struggles. I hope you can continue to find joy and humor in each day and you will continue to share it with others so that we can all feel connected.
I have loved reading your posts this year. I find myself in a similar situation with my mother. Your thoughts and observations have been uplifting and I have no doubt your book will be an inspiration. I look forward to buying it for my son! Hopefully he will care for me with such patience and good humor. All the best!
Karen, what a wonderful thing to say — I am so glad my posts have resonated with you. Sending you love and prayers. And I too hope the example we’ve set for our children will inform their behavior as caregivers when the time comes. XXOOO
You will do well…
Thanks for your support, Dr. Cindy!
Can’t wait to read the book, Laura! Will miss your wonderful blog. Love to you and your fine Daddy. 😘
You are a special favorite of my father’s, Ellen. My parents loved your parents, and that ties us together as well. Thanks to you and Mabry for going to visit DooDaddy. It meant everything. XXOOO
Your book will be a huge success, Laura! I look forward to attending one of your book signings here in Knoxville. As for you & DoDaddy on Ellen … you know the six degrees thing … I bet you have fewer than six! Go get em in 2017.
MWAH!