It seems like I spend a lot of time trying to remember what it is that I was supposed to do. I’ve tried writing things down in a little “tally book,” which helps, as long as I can remember where I put it.
When I think about living in a home that’s eight feet wide and twenty feet long there don’t seem to be that many places I could misplace anything.
But I do.
This whole dynamic of not being able to remember has been creepin’ up on me for some years now. In the beginning, it was just forgetfulness; everyone does that now and then.
Then it became the fault of all the knocks I’ve taken to the area my hat sits on, and now, with the passing of one more year, it’s become age.
Thank goodness there’s a bright spot along with all this gray hair – it’s age’s fault that I can’t remember so well anymore.
As long as I’m blamin’ my memory (or lack of one) on age, I’ll add on a few things. Age is to blame for me not being able to work as fast as I used to, and for not looking quite as graceful gettin’ on a horse. And thank heavens, age is to blame for me landin’ like a sack of flour when I fall off.
I’m not to blame. The only thing I’ve done is not die yet, but the day is young.
It’s ironic, I think, that with age I’ve lost some of the things that were dear to me in my youth, but having gained judgement from experience, maybe they weren’t really as essential as I thought back then.
One thing is for sure: gettin’ old ain’t for the weak hearted. There are adjustments that have to be made in all areas of living. While I consider myself a young old guy, the numbers don’t have a cushion; they just are what they are.
Talkin’ with the ex wife the other day I said, “I never thought I’d live this long” and she replied, “Yeah, and you almost didn’t.” I guess I’m gonna have to go with being grateful to still be “above ground” regardless of the challenges age brings.
I’d better get to work. Now, if I could just remember what I was supposed to do ...?
Watch yore topknot.
Tom James was riding horses before he could walk. He currently hangs his hat in Ignacio. Reach him at outlivedthemallsofar@gmail.com. The topknot, by the way, is the last knot tied on a pack saddle.
