“Why would a 68 year old woman get a tattoo?” I have been asking myself this question all week. I am trying to keep an open mind, but it just has me bewildered.
It was on her bucket list. You know, a list of all the things you want to do before you “kick the bucket.” This woman continues to surprise me with some of her ideas and behaviors, yet she continues to work full-time as a registered nurse at the local hospital so I know she is still in her right mind.
She loves all of the Twilight movies, the shows True Blood and the Walking Dead. Or should I say she loves all the young stars associated with them. She went to Las Vegas with a group of girlfriends last spring. I am sure God only knows what all they got into out there. She has been to numerous No Doubt and Gwen Stefani concerts with her oldest granddaughter, and stayed up on weekends to watch Orange is the New Black with her other granddaughter.
So what is the big deal? If it had been anyone else I am sure I would be fine with it, but the woman in question just happens to be my mom.
I just have a hard time digesting all of this. My mom has always been one to speak her mind and to try new things, but this really has me floored. Everyone has a picture of how they expect people to act especially as they age, but she is pushing the envelope. I think of my poor dad; I know he must be beside himself sometimes, but he has always been one to keep quiet especially where mom is concerned.
I am trying to look at this through her eyes. I know she is getting up in age, and has things she wants to do or try. I have heard too, that with maturity comes a certain level of confidence, and boy, isn’t that the truth, because my mom is not lacking in confidence, that is for sure. I have never felt my age, and I am sure that I get that from Mom, but as the grandmother of 15 ages 2-24 I thought she might be a little more like her own mother. I like to picture her wearing an apron baking cookies, planting flowers in her garden, being part of a garden club, playing cards with her friends, but that is just not who she is.
Many aging women have a difficult transition into the senior years. Some are plagued with not only depression and anxiety but may feel lost overall. Brookhaven Retreat has seen many older women struggle with substance abuse and addiction as their health deteriorates, loved ones pass away, and they are often left alone and isolated.
So though I am having a hard time with this new tattoo, I will accept her choices. I am going to count my blessings; my mom is alive and kicking. She is still able to work. She is relatively healthy. She is making memories with her grandchildren no matter how outrageous I may think they are; and most importantly, she is happy and confident. Mom is working on that bucket list of hers and I have no idea what else she has planned.
