Dorothy’s Place: The Band and Being Frivolous

By Dorothy Denne

Can we get down to basics here and get real close and personal? There are some things in life we have in common but we tend not to talk about. Perhaps that is for the better, but I think sometimes we should share. It helps just to know we are not alone in dealing with life’s little foibles.

In a recent letter from my sister, she shared some of her “downer” feelings.

I wrote back: “I’m sitting in my favorite garden spot, trying to replenish my soul. Like you, I’ve had a kind of rough last several days. Trying to stay up in a down time is not always easy. Aching, feeling sick, and losing your dexterity can take a lot out of you. And sometimes we just have to moan and groan about it for some time, so then we can get on with enjoying the good we have. How are we going to know it is good if we don’t have anything to compare it to?

“When you talk about bloating, I can sure relate. Part of it is age and how our bodies react, then when you add medications, our stomachs become freakin’ drums. After I eat I can thump on mine with my hand and literally sound like part of a band. There really isn’t much relief either, until I change from a drum to a horn and begin to toot.”

After writing that, in my box of gems I found the following: “Old folks are worth a fortune with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs.”

And: “I have become a little older since I saw you last and a few changes have come into my life since then. Frankly, I have become quite a frivolous old gal. I am seeing five gentlemen every day.

“As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I go to see John. Then Charlie Horse comes along. When he is here he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day. He doesn’t like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a busy day, I’m really tired and glad to go to bed with Ben Gay. What a life!”

More from Arcadia Weekly