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08/07/2025

Today’s blog

Lynn Murphy Mark

70’s and 80’s

No, this is not about those two wonderful decades. Instead I have been thinking about being ages 70-something and 80-something. I even have a couple of friends who are 90-somethings. It’s my opinion that to live into the 90’s requires strong stock and perseverance. 

Since both of my parents died in their sixties, I thought perhaps that fate might be mine as well. Thankfully I got through that decade relatively unscathed and am now working my way through my 70’s. I’m at the halfway point, and in September, God willing, I will be 76. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel at this age, but I do know that I move a lot more slowly and deliberately through the days. Otherwise I live a busy life that I quite enjoy.

Tomorrow Jan will turn 81. Recently she said she was bothered by this, but had no specifics to back it up. My good friends, Rose and Mary will be 85 and 84 later this year. When I tell people that Rose is in her mid 80’s they can’t believe it. That’s because she mostly thinks “young” thoughts about what is the next right thing to do, she enjoys a great sense of humor, and she continues to be of service in so many ways.

But, as I said, slow is my new speed. This coming Monday I will visit my 12 year old primary care doctor for my annual Medicare “wellness” appointment. I don’t have much to report except a nagging pain in my right foot that appeared a few weeks ago and seems intent to stick around. No injury that I know of. Two doses of Aleve a day don’t completely get rid of it either. I have to say that I am so grateful to be relatively healthy otherwise.

 I remember my Aunt Doris, who ran her little farm well into her 80’s, who had almost crippling arthritis and walked with a pronounced limp. So I’m not too bothered by a little foot pain. It’s one of those mysterious pains that seem to crop up with no notice – apparently a requirement of the aging process. It is possible to wake up in the morning and another body part falls off for no reason or some particular movement becomes painful with no obvious cause. 

My friend who was in a multi-car accident almost a week ago is proving that it’s possible to bounce back from serious injury – slowly but surely. Each day she is a little stronger and able to do more for herself. One goal is to get well enough to go on a much anticipated cruise at the end of September. Maybe that’s the key – have goals that are worth working for. In my case I want to be plenty mobile for my visit to Santa Fe, also at the end of September. 

On Monday I spent the day with my Indiana family and noted a preponderance of white hair in the crowd. Of the eight Murphy first-cousins, only four of us are left. I am the “baby” in the little flock. While we were getting our picture taken, Jane reminded us to hold up our chins. I don’t know exactly how many chins we have between us, but it’s more than four for sure.

The other thing I’ve noticed is an intent on my part to get my affairs in order. A friend and I were talking about that just yesterday. And it’s not that either of us have any reason to think our demise is anywhere near. But our friend was in a serious accident that will surely change life for her in a few ways. And, I am so aware that my cousin Sarah literally dropped dead on her 78^th birthday. Those two events have reminded me of the work that is left behind after a death. Out of love and respect for my spouse and my children, I believe I should tidy up the details of my life so that the loose ends don’t become a big obstacle for them.

Each day I wake up is a gift. I try to remember that when my spirit is a little saggy. I know in my heart and soul that gratitude is the best attitude for me at this stage of life.