Papa’s Last Fling

EDITOR: It was clear to all that the old man was no longer able to function as he used to.

All the visible signs were there. His walk was no longer steady, purposeful, and majestic. He no longer commanded the confidence of his colleagues. His decision-making capacity left much to be desired yet he declined to relinquish authority to anyone else. He would rather that we all keep an undignified silence so that his ego would be intact.

His grey hair, though a sign of wisdom, now seem to be more representative of old age, and senility. The latter not clearly distinguishable and some argue that he still had all his marbles. Clearly, his gait is not what it used to be and his ability to stand erect unaided seemed questionable, so more and more he depends on his walking stick. This is apparently the natural progression of most men if we live long enough. Some, through diet and exercise, have maintained physical health for an extended period. But many do not possess the discipline to stick to the required regime. Joining a gym can help, but most men think it hard to expend on exercise, diet, and health. Some have taken to walking, swimming, and gardening.

Others purposefully hire personal trainers and nutritionists despite the cost. It is generally accepted that men pay less attention to their own health than women.

This is perhaps why the bible says that it is not good for man to live alone.

I felt uncomfortable with his last bout of unfaithfulness, but perhaps it was his last fling with him trying to prove to himself that he still had all his manly capabilities.

But ageing is a natural process and lifestyle diseases of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, if not managed may cause kidney disease.

Additionally, it is known that if a man lives long enough he would develop prostate cancer. This is why most men relish retirement. But Papa would hot have it this way and made a great effort to do what he used to do but to no avail. He refused to transition to a new lifestyle and routine and attempted to do the job he did for most of his life.

He obtained a new passport and attempted to sail the seas with the Harrison Lines once again, but that was not to be. Hypertension and diabetes took their toll and eventually led to his demise.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD