I see two neighbors doing their morning walks. I wonder where L. walks...I've seen him walking towards town, which is about a mile away. S. is just walking her dog, Skipper.
I hear a distant thrumble of trucks on the I-40, with a few swooshes of slower cars on Blue Ridge Rd....or even the ones at the light down the hill on US 70. There are still a few groups of motorcycles, who love to go up on the mountainous roads for scenic rides. I haven't heard a train at this time of day for weeks. And since my windows are closed during the daytime and night-time, I don't usually hear them. It may also mean I'm completely used to them. I used to love hearing the one around midnight.
I wanted to talk a bit about touch starvation. There this new term "food insufficiency" but I am pretty sure the level of touch missing in my life is starvation.
I'm single. I have no family in the area. I used to get lots of hugs from friends whenever we met...which has been severely curtailed. And I'd get even more at church on Sunday.
I'm also elderly. I prefer to say I'm an elder. Or that I'm a crone. I'll be 78 in a few weeks. Who cares what that's called. I'm quite proud to have survived this long. As a teenager I thought it'd be great to live to 100. I'm not trying for that any more.
I no longer have a cat...mainly because of breathing difficulties from the litter...and I tried everything! When the last dear one died, I decided I didn't want to suffer the pain of loss again either. But oh how I miss a warm body and another creature who had her own desires, idiosyncrasies, and sharing of space. She and I definitely had lots of touch shared too.
So at the rehab program the other day, I noticed how great it was to have my blood pressure taken by the various staff members. I was being touched. I even shared about it in "group."
Somehow it wasn't the same when I had an I.V. inserted for the C.T. scan that I had on Friday. Something about adding some pain to the mixture and I just didn't have a good feeling about it.
So I don't feel lonely. The internet, my phone, having texts as well as voice calls...lots of communication. And the support group in Rehab will give me psychological support. But I definitely would like to be treated like a pet granny. And just have my shoulders patted, or even rubbed. How about a foot rub?
Answers? I'm thinking of saving some money to have a massage. I also need a haircut...which at least gives me head touch when being shampooed.
Today's Quote:
I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun. -Katharine Hepburn, actress (12 May 1907-2003)
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI have heard senior do well with a small pet, they give comfort and joy. I am still thinking about a dog. I must be weird, I do not like people touching me, except my hubby of course. A massage sounds wonderful, you should try it. Take care! Have a happy day!
I'm seriously thinking about it! (Massage that is.)
Delete...we slept last night with the windows open, but a wonderful feeling to have fresh, cool air blowing in.
ReplyDeleteI have done that just a few times since springtime. So glad you all had a good cool night.
DeleteEven though I have someone to touch every now and then, it is nice to have a cat around. We don't cuddle much, but she i around.
ReplyDeleteIt's a rare day here. High temp will be 72, so the windows will remain open all day, or at least until the rain comes in.
I never missed being touched until the pandemic. I guess my friends and I hugged more than I realized! I'd love to have a cat again.
DeleteI don't think I could live alone especially without a furry companion. I've often said, "I was never alone, not even in the womb," being a twin has not prepared me for such a thing. I hope you get your haircut, a massage, and a furry companion.
ReplyDeleteHaircut is scheduled for this Sat. and massage is next to plan. When (if) I get my health somewhat settled, I sometimes think I'll get another cat.
DeleteThere's a saying that pretty much defines me: I'm alone, but not lonely.
ReplyDeleteThat was my feeling most of the time...before Covid-19. I had many friends, we would get together at a comfortable interval, never crowded. I'd get plenty of screen friends to also give feedback with.
DeleteMy grandmother lived alone but my mother always visited her even when she went in to an assisted living place. I always had dogs and cats but now we don't have any. I would love to have a cat but living in a small apartment with rugs could be a problem. Have a nice evening.
ReplyDeleteI don't have daughters, and apparently sons just don't visit their moms as much. I'm imagining I see a cat curled up in my chair, out of the corner of my eye several times it seemed real this week.
DeleteThanks for dropping by Luiz. I'll check out your blog.
ReplyDelete