@nanniepie, @williamjmillerdmd, @tuckerp, and all... Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. I do hope my words from my life and heart help you through this very tough time in your life. You know, it's tough after we retire. Working for years is difficult, but I do believe these aging years are when the hard work begins. We are adjusting to a completely different place in the world. Our world grows smaller, friends move, are ill, no longer available as also happens with family. So, we must make a new life and learn new battle techniques, new relaxation tricks and how to deal with so many health surprises we never expect or even know about...

But, this is also the time, at least for me, I am finding the truest me inside. It's been a long rough journey into aging. Full of fighting for survival, to be seen and heard, to be understood... But, as a life-long Southern gal, I found I have a steel spine. I am a steel magnolia! And this is a wonderful awakening of myself, my best self as I use walls for stability, walk and do everything slowly, hurt a bunch and often, and all that goes with getting older. You know, I'm thrilled to be having these challenges, to be alive. I will fight, win some, lose some, but with God holding me close and my Connect friends, Mayo with the caring and wonderful staff and doctors, I will go forward. As will you!
Blessings, Elizabeth