Day 2645

One of Janet's brothers died this morning. I didn't know this brother well, but it still made me feel like the circle is becoming smaller and smaller. There are few births and marriages to celebrate these days, but there seems to be a continuous parade of funerals. Funerals bother me. I know we all have a limited time on this earth, but it would be nice to know how much time we actually had. So often death comes as a surprise.

I need to get better organized. I'd hate to leave a huge mess for somebody when my time comes. My Dad was so organized that he had his whole service planned in great detail before he died. I was so glad to find the piece of paper with his final wishes on it, because I wouldn't have known what to do. My Dad's sister passed away a few years ago and she was equally organized. I was amazed at how thoughtful she was.

It's kind of a balancing act to acknowledge that death is always nearby, while still concentrating on life. Dot could die in her sleep at any time, but I continue to treat each day as if it were completely normal. I think the fact that Dot still feels like a valued member of the family and still has the opportunity to do some of the things she loved to do when she was younger is why she is still with us today.

Dot has the luxury of having a dedicated full time assistant. Most people don't. My Dad did pretty well until a serious fall put him into a nursing home. Once he lost his house, his freedom, and his day-to-day routine, he went downhill quickly. I think one of the reasons I go to the gym and try my best to stay strong is that I don't want to become weak and frail like my Dad. Having your independence is everything. I can tell that Dot feels the same way. We work together well to keep her moving, but from time to time I see frustration in her eyes as I pick up her harness to lift her rear legs. She loves wandering around the back yard and smelling things, but she would much rather do it on her own.

I wonder why young people never join my gym. It is one of the best facilities in town, but I continue to think I'm the youngest member. There was a guy who used to walk on a treadmill next to me who always wore a t-shirt that said "I wish I was still 80." I haven't' seen this guy in a while. He probably died. I'm sure that watching old people work out gives me a distorted view of my own progress. I think I'm doing great because the people next to me are barely moving. These people are determined though. It's kind of inspiring. If I'm still going to the same gym ten years from now, I'm sure I'll be just as slow as they are.

So far, the switch to Daylight Savings Time hasn't saved me anything. I didn't get any more sleep. I didn't get any more done. I didn't even bother to reset the clocks. Tomorrow I'll be more organized. I have no choice. It's time to get started working on my taxes.

Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day