"The new normal" is a lot harder than I ever would have thought it would be. I struggle now with learning to accept and keep it real with myself. Of course, I never "really" believed I could be one of those people. And here I am. My weak social skill is in part being male and burdened by the macho male ego and training, also I did not have any real understanding of being human and having close friends and family. The examples we see or did not in my case. I am sure would have shown me more of what life is like as we change and age. I am sure it would have been helpful, and I would have been more compassionate for it. Another way where family is really important. The knowledge and love learned directly or indirectly and hopefully more positive than not, would have provided insight into aging gracefully and a big one for me feeling safe and comfortable with others and what they may be truly thinking about a person such as I am now. Sick, lame and lazy I am not just in pain and limited.