Last Monday, the first day of the second half of rapidly disappearing 2025, found me at the medical office building where I’ve volunteered for 13 years, manning its information desk. The part-time gig keeps me on my toes. Many patients arrive without knowing which suite their doctor works in, for instance. It’s my job to point them in the right direction. And sometimes I come to peoples’ “rescue,” such as when I aid those who, their medical appointments completed, can’t remember where in the nearby parking garage they deposited their cars. Off I go with them to that multi-level structure to solve the problem.
I like the job, which occupies me for four hours each week. Without it, I’d have a relative paucity of human interactions, seeing that I spend a hefty percentage of my time resting my aged, bony ass upon the living room sofa. Plus, helping people out boosts my spirits. Basically, I need to feel as though I’ve still got something to offer society.
Last Monday was a typical day at work. I answered questions from, and helped unravel somewhat-knotty situations for, approximately 50 individuals. However, during my shift something struck me more than it usually does: I clearly realized that a whole lot of visitors to the building were using and relying on canes, walkers and wheelchairs. And nowhere near all of those folks were senior citizens. This was a sobering observation. It brought to the surface a piece of self-knowledge that normally resides in the bottom reaches of my subconscious. Namely, I am extremely fortunate. Here I am, pushing age 80, and I get around on my legs just fine. I can walk for five or more miles, no problem. And though it would be foolhardy of me to attempt an all-out sprint, trotting remains within my powers. Yeah, anything might yet happen, but I’ve retained more than decent mobility.
And my good fortune extends way beyond my legs. My health in general, according to medical tests and my physicians, is solid. I’ve had one very dangerous health situation in my life. Thanks to modern medicine and just plain positive luck, it appears to be permanently confined to the rearview mirror. Of course, nobody knows that for certain, but the odds are in my favor.
What’s more, I have plenty to eat, and my country (the USA), though in the hands of a freedoms-suppressing megalomaniac, is not a war zone. I almost feel guilty about my good fortune, considering how difficult so many people have it in the States and all around the world. Poor health, poor healthcare availability, and inadequate food intake are some of the injustices plaguing hundreds of millions of individuals. And armed conflicts make life a living hell, or close to it, for so, so many. Not just in Ukraine and Gaza, but in violence-beset nations that don’t receive much media attention. Haiti and Sudan, to name two, and Myanmar and Yemen, to name two more.
Yes, the human condition, in certain respects, is horrible. Always has been. Always will be.
Considerate guy that I occasionally am, I’ll leave you on a sunny note: My good fortune expanded at the tail end of last year when I discovered Abigail Lapell. She’s a fine Canadian singer-songwriter who isn’t too well known outside her home country. Her latest album, Anniversary, came out 16 months ago. I’m in love with one of its songs, Flowers In My Hair, which is the first song in many a moon that I can’t (and don’t want to) get out of my head. A meditation on going with the flow while letting love reign over you, it is dominated by angelic vocals and by mesmerizing percussion provided via handclaps and foot stomps. Flowers In My Hair, to me, is sweet as a peach and free as a bird. Give it a listen.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
I know a guy my age who has already had both knees replaced and a hip and shoulder done. I’ve noticed the same thing you have regarding the increasing number of younger people who rely on motorized carts to get around. I feel grateful indeed.
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Hi Pete. What gets me are the people who walk around very well, and yet they have Handicapped tags which they use to park in Handclapped parking spots.
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Grateful for your gratitude and appreciate your sensitivity to all the tragedies all around us. Abigail is amazing!! Thanks for the introduction.
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Thank you for this very positive and thought provoking piece. I don’t normally listen to your tunes for various reasons but I did today and I love it too. Thank you
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Glad you like it!
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She’s a real good musician. I hope she makes it big one day.
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I’m with you. I’m grateful. It’s easy to bemoan the mobility we’ve lost, stiff hips, sore knees, a shuffle when we once ran fleet of foot; but when I see others with more debilitating conditions, I’m simply grateful. Write on, my friend!
And thanks for the introduction to Abigail Lapell. I’m hooked.
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Looking forward to reading about your next biking adventure!
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I like Abigail, too.
I am sixty-something and very fortunate to be mobile. Agreed, Neil, there is much for which to be grateful for so many of us around the world and it’s always important to remember that.
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Hi. I’m surprised I never knew about Abigail until 7 or 8 months ago, because she has been performing for quite a few years.
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I certainly feel grateful every day and I’m younger than you
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You have a good outlook on life.
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Thank you
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How different lives we all live on this one planet…
I am glad to hear your health is good and walking 5 miles is no trouble. Not sure one can be healthy without some exercise. I know I need mine on a daily basis. And I am not far behind you, now that I moved over the 60 mark last year.
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Right, it’s important to exercise on a fairly consistent basis, at minimum.
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great post. Very thought provoking and positive. Love the song. I don’t normally have the Oporto listen to the tunes you offer but today’s was great
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Glad you enjoy that song. You’re listed as Anonymous, by the way, so I don’t know who this is.
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thank you. A very positive and thought provoking post. And a great tune
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Thanks. I don’t know who this is, though — you’re listed as Anonymous.
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Good Morning, Neil. I have had the very same thoughts on many occasions and have expressed them to Mary, who agrees. We are both still freely mobile and take 5+ mile walks several times each week and work in the garden almost everyday. I am approaching 72 while Mary is just a little behind – big birthday this Saturday! I can add that I have had bilateral hip replacements and made excellent recoveries from both. Walking was a great help.
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I’m certain that the gardening you do keeps you fit to a significant extent.
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Yes, gardening most days and long walks whenever possible and long swims these days – Brrrr, it was cold today, no sun!
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Thank you, Neil, for the wonderfully inspiring post, a tribute to gratitude, echoing the wisdom of Cicero, who wrote: “ Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” It’s rare that people appreciate their good fortune and use it to help others, the way you do. I listen to the music, and I like the song and the singer! Thank you!
Joanna
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Hi, Joanna. Cicero knew what he was talking about!
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Thank you, Neil, and so do you!
Joanna
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It’s such a simple thing, isn’t it – full mobility? And yes, it’s good to reflect on what makes you fortunate. I have a job, a pension, a partner who tolerates me, dear friends, access to food, healthcare, a TV licence and two cats to look after, all of which make me happy.
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Hi. Like me, you have a lot to be thankful for.
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It’s important to be reminded how truly iucky we are. Thanks.
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Hi, Peggy. Right, there are enormous numbers of people who are in terrible situations.
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The value of gratitude cannot be expressed enough. Oh, the song is pretty, too.
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It’s easy to take good fortune for granted, but we shouldn’t.
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What a reflective, thought-provoking post. Abigail is wonderful; thanks for sharing!
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Hi there, and thanks very much.
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Your post is a good reminder for us to always be thankful for what we have. I’m a bit younger than you, but I recently had a medical checkup that ended with the doctor telling me I’m healthier than most people my age. It’s eye opening to realize how lucky we are to be able to get around, walk, move, bend, and turn without issue.
Thanks for the reminder, my friend. Stay healthy and keep on helping those who need it.
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Hi. Thanks for adding your thoughts. By the way, is this Richard? (you’re listed as Anonymous)
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I love Abigail, too!
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She’s definitely talented.
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I’m still moving around without anything being replaced so I am grateful for every day of mobility. And for not being the war-torn countries you mention. I know things are awful in many parts of the world, so I don’t take my life of relative ease for granted.
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Afternoon, Ally. You have the right attitude.
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What wonderful mobility you have. With my creaky knees, I have to admit to being a little envious.
Abigail Lapell is fantastic. Thanks for featuring her. I will be adding her to my playlist.
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She’s very good. She has written many fine songs.
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I will be listening to more of her music. Thanks for introducing me to her.
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It’s one thing to have good health and fortune, and another to feel grateful for it. i’m happy you have both. Thanks for introducing me to Abigail!
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I’m not positive, but I think she might live in or near the same city as you!
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Great post and mobility is one of my biggest fears… I am not retired, but will be in a few years. I volunteer at a food pantry 3 times a week for about 10 hours each week, in addition to teaching 6th grade full time. It’s an audition for retirement. When my dad retired in ’98, he had big plans but he let pain get to him and he didn’t move and groove like he should. I had my knees replaced in my late fifties and I am going strong, though I can feel a creaky hip now and then. The key is to keep moving and pushing through. Keep at it!
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I tip my hat to you for teaching full time and doing lots of volunteer work too.
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I am 70 and have had five spinal fusions. I am so happy for you that you haven’t needed this. I agree with you about the freedom suppressing guy and I appreciate your sensitivity. I always enjoy reading your posts
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Hi, and thanks for adding your thoughts. I’m not sure who this is — you’re listed as Anonymous.
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Thanks for sharing that beautiful song! When you first mentioned “Flowers in My Hair,” I thought you were referring to the 1967 hit “San Francisco,” which features a line “Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair,” so thanks for also bringing that lovely song to my mind.
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I wonder if Abigail knows about the San Fran song. She probably does.
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I may moan at my decidedly creaky knees, but having seen my husband having to cope with a wheelchair for years, I know how lucky I am to be moving at all under my own steam.
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Hi, Helen. What you say is very true.
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What a great reminder!
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Thanks very much.
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We’re lucky indeed, and I’m grateful to read your posts.
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I appreciate that, Sam. Thanks.
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Congratulations on your good health! And thank you so much for the music recommendation. Added to Spotify. heartheartheart!
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Hi. It’s such a great recording. I love it.
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Nice write up.
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Thanks a lot.
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I remember when you left that job during COVID, how sad you were to do so for all the reasons you’re happy to be back.
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Right, most volunteers with this particular health care system were put on a long hiatus due to COVID. I’ve been back since summer 2022.
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This is a good kind of luck. I,like you—although a bit younger, feel very lucky to live where I live and have my health. I feel this sentiment every day, especially when I see the news headlines from around the world.
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Parts of the world are a horror show.
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I count the blessing of mobility EVERY DAY. As long as we can stay upright & mobile, and be of whatever service possible to fellow creatures, life is good. Thanks also for intro to Abigail. I’m going to be singing that flower song all day, with joy.
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Is this Fran? In any case, I appreciate your comments a lot.
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Nice! We all must remain thankful for what we do have. Love this song too!😊
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A great song, isn’t it? I first heard it on one of the Sirius channels, and am very glad I did.
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Great song and beautiful voice.
Keep up your good work and exercise including cutting grass in this heat. I also feel fortunate with everything happening in this world. I turned 80 and play tennis 3 times, body pump class 3 times week and much walking. Prayers for all in the world suffering.
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Hi Joyce. You set a very high bar!
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I feel grateful for similar reasons. Great song too!
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Many of us have a whole lot to be grateful for.
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Yes Neil, you’re extremely fortunate. And I consider it’s the same to those your connection reaches. Please keep it up, and thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated.
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It’s good to take stock, and consider the positives in a life well lived. I can only add the words now inscribed on Seamus Heaney’s tombstone: ‘Walk on air against your better judgement’
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Right, we need to soldier on as best we can.
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I’m a bit younger (at just 66) but am in more or less the same condition that blesses you. I take no medication and work a full time job that is moderately physical. You are right that many others are not so fortunate.
Loved the song!
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Hi, Your hard work is helping to keep you healthy, I’m sure.
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Interesting transition! (Horrible human conditions to a song.) I feel very lucky too, Neil. I visited a Lakota reservation home last year. The poverty is appalling. Would love to stick some of these bastards in D.C. there for just a week. Maybe they’d change their tune.
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The USA has a big middle class. And it also has many, many people in poverty. I doubt if that will ever change.
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I echo your sentiments, Neil! My parents, who were children during the Depression and did not have an easy life afterward, nevertheless provided a healthy environment for us 5 “kids.” Later my mother would often ask her grandchildren, who by her standards had incredibly luxurious lives, “Do you know how lucky you are?” and then tell them why she thought so. Some of them have told me that they still think about those conversations today. Your post reminded me to think about it too. And, BTW–catchy song!
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Hi there, Cindy. Your mother’s grandchildren were paying attention!
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l left a comment but don’t know if it shows
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Hi, Joyce. Your original comments came through and are displayed. But they are listed as being from Anonymous. I knew they were from you, though.
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I’ve always liked Roger Miller. Thanks, Jerry.
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It’s good to know that you are in good health and enjoying your life, Neil, and that you are giving back through your volunteering.
Wishing you many more years of the same.
Tanja
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Many thanks!
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You are, indeed, very fortunate, Neil. I know a lot of people your age and they are not nearly as mobile ❤
I also like this song you shared. It’s kinda folksy.
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Hi. The song has an uncomplicated, beautiful feel to it. It has purity.
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This is lovely, Neil. I’m so glad that not only are you doing very well, but you recognize your good fortune. I’m in relatively good shape for my age, too, and although I have my share of aches and pains, whenever I get down in the dumps I think about Michael J. Fox and the decades he’s had to endure with a terrible progressive disease. That usually works. His courage has been remarkable.
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He is incredible. Parkinson’s is a horrible illness.
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One of the worst things in life are those who don’t realise how lucky they are and still they moan. Every day I am grateful. Inspirational, Neil, keep going.
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Hi Suzanne, and thanks very much.
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I wish I was as fortunate in the good health department but sometimes I see someone else or I meet someone else and I’m forever reminded, I wouldn’t want their life for mine. I’m not sure why so many of my generation are unhealthy at a young age but you’re not wrong. I see it not just with me but with all of my friends. Either way… You can feel thankful with the lot you’ve been dealt. It’s a privilege to grow old.
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Your comments are very perceptive. Thanks very much for widening the discussion. Appreciated.
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Awareness at work, Neil. At your age, you’re indeed fortunate to be able to walk five or more miles without a problem. My feet are already crying out for relief. Beautiful song.
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I’ve always enjoyed taking longish walks, and I’m very lucky that I can still do that.
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Thank you, Neil for sharing Abigail Lapell’s song. I just loved it. I too am grateful for good health. Without that life is very difficult. Thank you also for such an inspiring post.
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There’s really something about that song. It’s poweful, but in a calming, joyous way.
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I enjoyed the song, she has a very clear distinctive voice, although I’m Canadian I’ve never heard of her. Enjoyed your post – yes we are blessed in many ways compared to most of the world.
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Thanks for adding your thoughts, Joni. I appreciate it. Maybe Abigail Lapell will become a household name one of these days.
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Thanks for sharing, Neil. I loved “Flowers In My Hair!”
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Great song.
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A great post (and song). It’s good to occasionally remind ourselves that there’s always someone worse off than us. It helps give us perspective.
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Morning. Right, there are huge numbers of folks who have it very rough.
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