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"Quality of life"......a gift that just keeps on giving.
Aging Well | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (250)Comment receiving replies
UGH! I'm so confused, fiesty76. I thought we were getting to know each other so well......When did you leave MN? I thought you lived in heavy snow, cold MN and travel to NM/Texas to a home you have there! Wow! What happened? I must have missed something somewhere.
Update: My kitty, Samantha, is in love with her new kitty towers at windows in 2 BR and den. She truly enjoys them for sleep, watching the outside activitiy, just meditating or watching me. What a joy for me to enjoy her enjoying her new spots. I love making her happy.....actually, I was emailing with a group of older folks at my church and one of the gals sent everyone a 'huge virtual hug'.....of course we were thrilled, but made me start thinking.
You know, I haven't had a single human hug since last March, 2020. Not one! Kitty hugs if you can call them that. Puppy died so don't get her loving....do miss her.... but you know, folks, that's really a long time to go w/o any human to human physical touching......of course, other than shots and tests and helping w/gowns, and hospital/doc stuff. That don't count one whit!
I used to teach volunteer classes for folks helping isolated elderly, buying them groceries or taking them to the store or delivering meals or taking them out for lunch or whatever. But, it is known that the human being requires 13 hugs per day. 13 hugs.....daily.....for good emotional health. My goodness. Let's not think about my emotional health! Or possibly yours or others during this pandemic.
This forum, Mayo Connect and my Connect friends, have saved me. I am immensely emotionally healthier than before I began this site. I am thanking you every one for contributing to my emotional well being.....and pass it along to all the other sites, please....we truly must be thankful for each other. For sharing. For the love and kindnesses and understanding that flow through these messages.
Thank you all. Blessings. Elizabeth (Florida)
Replies to "UGH! I'm so confused, fiesty76. I thought we were getting to know each other so well......When..."
@ess77, I'm behind on posts and had to laugh at your confusion because this happens to me quite regularly. Glad to read that @sueinmn brought clarity. I corresponded with one member offline for some time before realizing that she lived in CA, not FL or was it the reverse? lol
I live in West TX but as a young married spent two memorable years in Duluth, MN. Sue, otoh, navigates seamlessly (ordinarily) between both states and shares great stories and experiences in each.
As for a Quality of Life bonus you and I share, I can only smile in agreement with the joy your Samantha and my Precious bring as they scamper up and go flying off their climbing trees.
Elizabeth, as for your lament for the lack of "a single human hug since last March,2020" I and would imagine other "live alones" would certainly agree that the need for physical human hugs is achingly pronounced during these times of self-isolation! As an educator, I knew of the published human need for "13 hugs per day". Not the same by any means but a recent article suggested crossing one's arms to give a self-hug in the absence of others. I find it Really does give a brief moment of relief/comfort.
Thanks for expressing so well what being a participating member in these Connect forums has provided us all. ... now to remember that you live in FL!...very big grins vbg!
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Elizabeth -
Maybe you confused @feisty76 and me? I live (usually) 1/2 the year in the Twin Cities in MN and the other half in Far South Texas very near the border - except that Covid has kept us in MN this winter. We are trying to cope by spending time outdoors with our little grandsons as often as possible. I just came home from a 35 minute walk/run in 13F temps with the 4 year old. Very slippery, but fun to watch him play and learn. Now I'm ready to sit down with a hot cup of tea.
I am so happy to hear you find this site helpful in this terribly difficult time! We used to be a more focused on medical issues, but very early in the pandemic it became obvious that keeping people in touch was just as important, so we have explored a lot of ways to connect. This has been a lifeline for me, as a volunteer, because I spent many hours every week doing in-person volunteer activities, and all have ceased. Please continue to join us in keeping each others' spirits up until we reach the end of this long tunnel.
Sue