Friday 13 July 2007

Curfew

When I mention the word curfew, most people would think about children and adolescence. It's something used to help keep our younger folks safe and out of trouble after the fall of darkness. Most wouldn't think of mandatory curfews being in place for individuals say....in their 90's!

My Grandmother is 94 years old. She has a curfew. Back to the Nursing home before 9pm or you're locked out baby! Just pull up a rock and sleep on the sidewalk cause you aren't getting in!

Now I'm sure there are rules such as this for safety reasons. Someone wandering in or out of the nursing home when there are possibly less staff to deal with them at night. Perhaps they are worried about undesirables coming into the home from off the street.

I never stopped to seriously think it could be to contain troublesome behavior on the part of the older folks. At least not until I watched Grandma start rockin' to Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" on the way home. Then I started to remember.

At the age of 90, my Grandmother and her second husband could be seen cruising around the city in a new Volkswagon Beetle, (it's a very comfortable ride she told me.) decked out in leather coats, pants and boots. They were both always at the height of fashion. Hair perfectly coiffed, make-up and jewelry. She looked pretty good too;-) She has all her original teeth. Perfect and white. How I don't know, but true.

Soon after that, the housework became too much of a chore and they decided to move to a nursing home. He lost all will to live and passed on not long after. I think his son had instructed him in this. He is a well respected doctor. At least to some. I can't imagine telling my parents time to let go, so don't eat or drink for a couple of weeks and you can pass painfully away. From where I was sitting, that's what it looked like happened.

My Grandmother is a fighter though. She lost her first husband and 36 year old son to cancer within a month of each other. She has had two of her Grandsons fight brain tumors, and lost a Granddaughter at aged 40 suddenly to an aneurysm. Brother's and sisters have passed ahead of her. Her Mother died at 102. She was a fighter as well.

I was getting sleepy and decided to forgo asking if she minded my turning on the radio. I thought perhaps if I kept it low enough it wouldn't bother her sitting in the passenger seat beside me. Her mind isn't as sharp as it used to be, but there's nothing wrong with her ears!

I tuned in my favourite radio station to find they were playing a set of Billy Idol tunes. "Oh brother!" I thought as I turned it down further. Of all the Artists to start with, I was hoping for something a wee bit more mellow.

As we drew closer to her residence I could hear a tapping to match the music which soon became a full fledged drumming from beside me. Normally I'd yell at the kids to stop. I can't stand a back seat drummer. But I couldn't this time. My Grandmother was enjoying herself too much. She was keeping perfect time to "Rebel Yell." Head bobbing, humming and smiling.

Maybe there is a reason some 94 year olds have a curfew after all!


12 comments:

richgold said...

Making every day a good day. We just had a 82nd birthday for my "Dad". He's savoring every day. Between your grandma, my Dad, there's a lesson I needed to hear.

As I'm approaching 40, I've been feeling old, and achey with what I expect is the early onset of arthritus and wasn't looking forward to the next 40 years.

I should probably savor every day now, for what it is. Thanks for sharing the lesson.

Patti said...

Sounds like my grandfather, who passed at 96. His hearing wasn't so good, so he liked the tunes turned way up, especially while he was bowling.

His last summer he liked to ride in my camaro, t-roof opened up, blasting Rolling Stones "I Can't Get No Satisfaction". Actually, he preferred to drive!

Kurt said...

I know an old man who lies on the couch all day and complains. He hasn't a friend in the world. It's not as inspirational as your story, I guess.

Anonymous said...

My mother-in-law is going to be 89 shortly. She sits with her TV on, not really watching and smokes one after another. Her short term memory is pretty well shot, but she is mellow, and doesn't worry or fret about anything, basically she is happy. Maybe getting older isn't too bad. By the way, really like the colored pencil picture.

Perpetual Chocoholic said...

Well then get off the couch Kurt;-)

Anonymous said...

Your grandma sounds awesome! Elderly people never fail to amaze me. Once I was at a playground, and three giggling elderly women slid down the slide together. That was hilarious!

Anonymous said...

That is so awesome! I am quite often surprised by the elderly too. :) By the way I love your last drawing you posted.

Fred said...

I agree with Kurt

richgold said...

Miss you. Hope you're doing lots of art.

Patti said...

hmmm ... been looking for stories about bus chasing ... not finding any ... maybe a new adventure from Vicki Stripes ... nada ... any new night manuevers involving Gnomes ... sigh ...

miss you.

Kris said...

HIYA! Hope all is well! Been checking in regularly and have decided to start pestering you...hehe (like I am one to talk!).

Anonymous said...

Hi there - I sure hope that everything is going well in your corner of the world - Like the others I decided after not hearing from you for a while it was time to start pestering. :)