Am I Shrinking?

by Evelyn Horan

The other day my husband took off his favorite jeans and walked into the room dressed in a sports pair of Docker Pants. I complimented him on how attractive and distinguished he looked in his preparation to attend a “happy 50^th over the hill” birthday dinner he was hosting for his son at a local restaurant. I gave my husband a big hug as we stood together, and I looked up at his six-foot-tall height and wondered if my five feet, four inch frame had shrunk. It seemed the top of my head nestled somewhere in the middle of his chest.

More than one friend and I have observed that the shortened height of elderly folks accounts for the fact that they have shrunk from their once youthful stature. I think I am joining that group of seniors, and in my case, my frame is showing a rotund-looking trunk in the hip and stomach area, while my smaller arms and legs attest to the fact, I was once a slim and youthful young woman.

“What should my attitude be now?” I ask myself. Should I give into self-pity? I don’t think so. I am not alone with the realization that, if only slightly, I am shrinking a bit. Also, I feel comforted in knowing that I am not alone. Others in my peer group are experiencing the same effect. So we will acknowledge our new height and accept our changing physical appearance and continue on, aging with a cheerful attitude.

About the Author

Evelyn Horan is a former teacher/counselor. Her articles and stories have been published many times in periodicals for children and adults in both secular and religious publications. She holds General Elementary, General Secondary, Pupil Personnel, and also School Psychologist life credentials in the state of California. Horan is the author of a number of books including Aging Requires a Gentle Attitude. Learn more about her work at http://www.authorsden.com/evelynhoran.