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Johnny Keeps "Pushing On"... 2/17/2024 9:51:50 AM
My friend, Johnny, now 97 and going strong, says his "secret" is to "push on, push on, and practice total self reliance. The words of a true New Englander, for sure. A day does not go by that I don't marvel at my friend, Johnny's tenacity and determination to keep "pushing on" and relying on himself, refusing to get any help from anyone for anything - to a fault.
Johnny steps out every morning at 8:30 A.M. to get his newspaper and day's groceries - regardless of the Boston weather. He "pushes himself" with the aid of his walker (finally acquiesced to get one after a few nasty falls due to his balance challenges). He hates it, of course, but it gets him around. He insists on doing all the shopping himself and becomes angry when anyone offers to help. I understand: it's all about independence and dignity and one can't take this away from him. But it's not easy for the rest of us to watch, if inspirational; we worry.
Johnny cooks all his meals, does his laundry and keeps his studio apartment up as best he can. He does not want any help, although he is entitled to free social services. Not Johnny... he is determined to "die with his boots on."
I love him; he's the dearest person to my heart in Boston. We have shared books, poetry and my monthly medical newsletters from Mayo Clinic, Harvard and Johns Hopkins. It keeps his mind as sharp as possible and an addition to his daily word puzzles which, he claims help him keep what's left of his brain.
Johnny's hearing is going (in spite of newest ear aids), and his memory failing him more and more as the days go by. But he never complains and instead "pushes on and on and on" as the days go by.
His secret? The humblest of men and a true, is "Love." Johnny claims it's the only thing that matters in life.
I love him; I love him. What an inspiration and blessing in my life.
