I would like to dedicate this article to my 89 year old, medicine free Mom.  Her zest for life is greater than the combined totals of all the ‘bail-outs’.  Mom, this one is for you!

This grandparent feels that what one can learn from a great grandparent is priceless.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you my Mom, Ruth.  She is a real character who believes in being thankful for each and every day while embracing risk taking and experiencing life to its fullest. Since she lives in Chicago, the phone is our most often means of communication.

When I receive a phone call from her that begins with, “Guess what?” I immediately freeze.

I quickly sit down, grab a coffee, diet coke and at the same time, a piece of chocolate.  Regarding her “Guess what’s?” she is always interested in my concerns and will complement me on my wise opinions and then will proceed to do exactly as she pleases.

Over the years, these are some of the “Guess what’s?” I’ve heard my mom say:

• When she was 70 years old, “I am going to become a model.  Soon, I will be going for my head shots.  I called an agency and they think I can be in the Cubs calendar.  They also feel I can be in magazines.”
• At 73 years old, “I was passing the corner restaurant this morning on my walk and I noticed a sign on the window. They will be filming a commercial later in the day and everyone is welcome to participate.  So, I spruced myself up and returned and I just know I will be in the commercial.  I had to eat their new fried chicken wings and then they filmed my reaction.  I told them, quite excitedly, they were to die for!  I then came home, and threw up.  I thought I was going to die!”
• At 75, “I just signed up for tap – dancing, my first recital is in the spring.  Will you come?”
• At 79, “I just got off the phone with a lady in Sarasota and we are like sisters.  I phoned her because she had an ad in the Chicago Tribune and is looking for a room mate for January and February. I know I have never been to Sarasota, but it has to be better then the cold.  I need to take a risk and I think this will be a great adventure.”
• At 80, “I met a man.  His name is Sandor, he sings in the choir, and he drove me home from services last night.   I ran out of the car, because I was not sure I wanted him to know exactly where I live. He is 88, and a real ladies man. I am so excited because he is also a straight man. Rickie, a straight man does not need a cane.”

I will close with a recent conversation I had with my Mom about her latest doctor appointment.

Mom’s doctor is a specialist in gerontology and an absolute angel.  Her doctor never fails to return her phone calls with kindness and the utmost concern wherever her travels take her.

My Mom has decided that a visit to her doctor is not really necessary since he is so busy with sick people and she is healthy.  So, needless to say to get her to make a doctor’s appointment can be challenging.

A few weeks ago, after her doctor’s appointment, she phoned to report that she chatted with her doctor for an hour. He thinks she is doing great and she should do whatever she pleases.  According to my Mom, he is most interested in her latest home remedy… pure cherry juice. Her doctor is going to check into it and then recommend it to his patients.

They both decided that Mom is growing up!

So, I have decided to grow up (a little everyday) rather than grow old.  What do you think?

P.S.  I just got off the phone with my Mom and she was so excited because she was finally able to access a computer and read my articles on mychildfeels.com. She said, “Rickie, I read your blobs and I think you are great!”

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Rickie Glickman is a regular contributor of mychildfeels.com. With her degree in education and years of teaching experience, Rickie examines parenting issues through the eyes of a grandparent.