My god, I'm all alone

E-word,

Looking forward to being an old couple makes sense. There's a sense of comfort in growing old with someone that must not be the same as growing old alone.

This is an interesting thing to think about, because so many people do grow old alone. Most people have friends and family, but is it the same thing as having a husband or wife? Is it true that there are people who would prefer to grow old by themselves?

I don't know if this really a concern for most people until they turn around 60. People can live pretty independently and take care of themselves, but I imagine that once you get to my parents age (60-ish), the gears are worn and don't mesh as nicely. Small illnesses take on a much greater gravity, and healing powers are diminished. My father, who is really in pretty good health, had a life-threatening infection a couple of years ago, and is still very vulnerable.

I think what I'm getting at is not only do we look forward to the comfort of having a partner in our old age, but we also have a caretaker when systems fail. We have not only a warm body to touch at night, but we have someone who will take us to the hospital when we don't feel well, or will call the doctor about a random symptom when we'd rather not be bothered.

Hard to say, hard to quantify richness in life. I know I'd prefer growing old with El, and like you said, have the same nagging and teasing except with wrinkles.

I hope you had a good weekend. I know I said I would call, but, well, I'm calling, I promise.

Toe