I guess this is just one more part of my old body that these days thumbs it’s nose at me and makes me have to “go” at some of the most inopportune times. I guess this is payback for all the times that I made you wait, dear bladder.

My memory, that before could remember dozens of phone numbers and was able to recall a school text book for an upcoming test, is gone with the wind.

I want to say how much I appreciate the old friends whose names I can’t bring to mind. These friends don’t leave me to play 20 questions in my mind but instead gives me his or her name straight away, no big deal. My brain reminds me that my memory loss probably happened because I overloaded it for so long with worry thoughts that got me nowhere and only squandered a lot of brain cells. You jerk, says my brain over and over.

Wait, I’m not done yet. I want to whine a little more about a most delicate subject that for today’s millennias is probably hardly worth a snicker. What is it Jack? Well, it’s about farting. I just can’t slip one out anymore with no one being the wiser. Instead, my flabby old sphicter muscle is no match for a determined fart that’s headed for the exit door. This is where one of my most trusted mottos comes to my rescue: What you think about me is none of my business. So proper ladies can titter, youngsters can giggle, and some can say “oh how gross,” but at my age I feel nothing but joyful relief. And, with any luck at all, tomorrow I will again be releasing more methane gas into the atmosphere. I will be doing my share to help with global warming.

I also need two hearing aids to hear, sort of, and glasses to see, somewhat. But for me there will always be a silver lining. I’ve still got most of the teeth in my mouth that help me when I smile. I still get a thrill when I get out of bed in the morning to greet the day. I can close my eyes and touch my left index finger to my nose and then my right index finger to the same nose. Now who could want more?

See Ya,

Jack