I didn’t know there were forests down here just off the beaches. Fort Pickens, Florida is a peninsula in the panhandle area of this giant boot-shaped state. It’s cool and breezy this morning. The Cicada choir sings, accompanying children’s laughter and families chatting, cooking breakfasts, and packing for their Saturday adventures. I could sit here for hours if only the heat would stay low.
https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/fortpickens-campground.htm
Our plan for today includes a long walk to the white sand beach, swimming in the ocean, and a trip into the metropolis of Pensacola. I’m looking forward to seeing a museum and some galleries. Zach and his family keep talking about Joe Patti’s seafood shop.
We’ll pick up some fresh gulf shrimp, fish, and sides to share with Bill and Robin, Zach’s dad and dad’s partner. They’ve been generous with us, letting me work in the guest room, while Zach spends time with his dad. Robin could use some help with house and life things now that Bill is unable to do much. He has assistance most days for PT and medical checks. Robin does everything now.
Watching elders age, and struggle to remain independent is a challenge most of us face. It’s a privilege, I see now, to have our parents live long enough to need our help. Our culture doesn’t prepare us for this, though. We have a plan, we change the plan, we deny the need for community and support past the moment when support is required.
I heard a comedian joke about this once, and related to this. She was saying she just starts with, “I can’t do it! I need assistance! I’m ready for assisted living.” As of last week I qualify for those 55+ apartments and condos. I’m ready.
I cannot imagine doing everything myself, alone. Most likely I will need to create some sort of community to live in, or find one already established. I imagine a common area, with a piano where we can play games or share movies. I’ll play the piano and lead sing-alongs on Thursday evenings.
My father used to say he looked forward to retiring, and playing the piano at Furrs Cafeteria – Broadway Musical songs, Great American Songbook tunes. I hoped to someday sing along with him again. He left this incarnation three years ago without much warning.
Do the things you can while they’re still here. Don’t wait.
Explore, Create, Inquire, Seek, Share, Learn 
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