Going Senile, and Enjoying It

You know, I think I’m getting dementia. Yesterday at the doctor’s office, I read a nurse my poem I had written that morning. It embarrassed my wife… but we all teared up a little at that song of the dawn.

Maybe it’s Alzheimer’s. I learned a new language—Nimiipuu (Nez Perce tongue) in my 60s, and now that I am 70 I can’t seem to speak it very well. Dang I just learned that. My brain is going blank already. I think they call that senility.

So why should I hide it? Should I be ashamed that I’m on the road to losing my personality… or should I just enjoy it?

It’s true—this is my announcement to the world. Not diagnosed by any doctor yet. But you and I… we know it, don’t we? I’ve forgotten all my sins—with a little help from Jesus. I can’t remember what I was supposed to worry about today. I should have written it down. I can’t find my to-do list.

So… shall I just be free today? I think I will. In fact, I suspect I am turning into Grandpa White. Wait a minute. I am grandpa White. Rev. Grandpa White that is… You knew it would happen all along.

I’ll speak to every kid I see—make a joke, share a giggle. Can you skip with a walker? I might try. I’m going to make eye contact with everybody. The good ones and especially the angry ones. The eyes are always the most beautiful part—they show the soul. Every one has soul you know. And I’m going to look each beautiful-eyed person in the face—and tell them just how gorgeous their eyes are.

Especially the houseless—let’s keep working on that problem. Between all of us, there has to be a solution. I wonder… will they let me back in to the hospitals, jails, the old folks’ homes—whatever we’re calling them these days? They’re human too. They can feel a hand on their shoulder. They can make a friend—just like you and me.

Let’s do it. Let’s smile at our enemies. Look them in their beautiful eyes. Extend a hand of friendship. Why not? I’m going senile anyway… and I’m enjoying it.

I’m going to cry when the evening news announces how it’s going for some unfortunate humans today. But you can bet I’ll say a prayer and ask for a miracle for these, they are all our neighbors. Why not? There must be something wrong with my thinking these days. I have become grandpa White.

You knew this was going to happen all along. I’m getting old and senile—what do you expect? Don’t forbid me from enjoying it. Can I go where Mother Teresa went? It might be dangerous. Maybe I won’t come back. But what the heck—I’m old and getting senile. Where’s the risk? I like this gamble.

I might even go to the casino… or the tavern… just to say hello. Truth is, I’ve never smoked or had a drink in 70 years. But I’m thinking about starting today. Do you want to join me? You can say you’re going senile too.