Allow me to speak today with the wise words of Robert Herrick:
“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may
“Old time is still a-flying
“And this same flower that smiles today
“Tomorrow will be dying.”
I thought of this when a friend posted on Facebook a picture of me and three of my children, taken in Honolulu a whole lifetime ago. In the background was majestic Diamond Head. My youngest was 11 months old, still in a stroller. The twins were 6. I was young.
Where did the time go?
That’s a question all seniors ask. There is always that “parang kahapon lamang” feel about old photographs and memories.
And speaking of age, have you noticed how most public places today have stairways without bannisters? Has it always been that way, and I am just aware of it now because I need to hang on for dear life?
Some new town homes have floating risers and nothing else. I don’t visit.
Don’t you just hate that almost imperceptible one- or two-inch drop when you step into a bathroom? It is really meant to prevent flooding, but tricky enough to cause a nasty fall.
My casita was designed with the bedroom on the second floor. I asked for bannisters on both sides of the señorita stairs. My singer cum architect son thought it would be an eyesore. But he finally relented. And I thank him quietly every day.
I may be a little overcautious. But they do say that most accidents happen in the home. Besides, the last time my doctor talked to me about bone density, he warned that when people my age fall, we shatter. Shudder.
40 winks?
“Do you take naps?” My sister asked me one lazy afternoon in Atlanta. We had just lunched Japanese and I was yawning my head off. She was sweet to offer the sofa while she stretched out on her easy chair, and we proceeded to watch TV behind our eyelids.
Delicious. We did it more often after that, each time feeling less guilty about taking a break.
I recently read something about naps. Let me share.
“Studies have shown that short naps can improve awareness and productivity. You don’t need much; just 15 to 20 minutes can make a world of difference.
“According to a study from the University of Colorado Boulder, children who didn’t take their afternoon nap didn’t display much joy and interest, had a higher level of anxiety, and lower problem-solving skills compared to other children who napped regularly. The same goes for adults.
“Researchers found that adults who regularly take advantage of an afternoon nap have a better learning ability and improved memory function.”
Taking naps used to make me cranky. But in my twilight years, they are a welcome bonus. I am delighted to know they do something for the brain as well as for the body.
The article said that a 10- to 20-minute snooze is ample. It is a shallow sleep and refreshes the mind and increases energy. You wake up rested but alert.
A 30-minute nap takes you close to a deeper sleep and you may awaken groggy, but taking an hour gives you “an excellent memory boost.”
A longer 90-minute nap is a complete sleep cycle, recommended for those who stay awake nights. “It enhances your emotional memory and creativity.”
How about that! Naps are actually good for you! But they don’t make up for lost nighttime sleep. Rather, they are to be taken in addition to a good night’s slumber.
This is documented. I didn’t make it up.
Read and remember
I came across “Ten Important Things I’ve Learnt Since Losing My Son,” a heart-wrenching blog written by 40-year-old entrepreneur Richard Pringle, whose 3-year-old son died suddenly from a brain bleed.
It is a “must read,” whether you have children or not, because we take so much for granted.
In the interest of space, I have paraphrased.
1. You can never ever kiss and love too much.
2. You always have time. Stop what you’re doing and play, even if it’s just for a minute. Nothing’s that important that it can’t wait.
3. Take as many photos and record as many videos as possible. One day that might be all you have.
4. Don’t spend money, spend time. You think what you spend matters? It doesn’t. What you do matters.
5. Sing. Sing songs together. Memories are created in music.
6. Cherish the simplest of things. Night times, bedtimes, reading stories. Dinners together. Don’t let those special times pass you by unnoticed.
7. Always kiss those you love goodbye. And if you forget, go back and kiss them. You never know if it’s the last time you’ll get the chance.
8. Make boring things fun. Be silly, tell jokes, laugh, smile and enjoy yourselves. Life is too short not to have fun.
9. Keep a journal. Write down everything your little ones do that lights up your world. The funny things they say, the cute things they do. You’ll have these memories written down forever, and when you’re older you can look back and cherish every moment.
10. If you have your children with you—to kiss goodnight, to have breakfast with, to walk to school, to take to university, to watch get married—you are blessed. Never ever forget that.