Some days, our bodies tell us something before we are ready to listen.
Today was one of those days.
Julie and I went to Rouge Woods Community Centre, where I spent some time playing ping pong. It is something I enjoy, not only for the exercise but also for the chance to meet friends, have a chat, and keep myself active.
However, I was not feeling quite myself this morning. I felt tired, and the tiredness stayed with me throughout the morning.
Perhaps I had missed my usual morning coffee. I wondered whether that might explain it. After all, a cup of coffee has become part of my daily routine. But I could not be certain that coffee was the reason.
While we were at the community centre, my friend Richard noticed that I looked very tired. He advised me to be careful.
About half an hour later, Julie came over and told me something that made me stop and think.
Richard had spoken to her. He told her to take good care of me because I looked so tired.
That was a thoughtful thing for a friend to do.
Richard could have simply continued with his own activities and said nothing. Instead, he noticed something was not quite right and cared enough to let Julie know.
Sometimes, other people see what we fail to notice about ourselves.
A good lunch, and a cup of tea
After leaving the community centre, Julie and I went to Ying Kee for lunch. I ordered curry beef brisket with rice. It was tasty and appetizing, just the sort of meal I enjoyed.
When I returned home, I had a cup of tea with milk.
By then, I felt much better. My energy seemed to have returned, and I felt like my normal self again.
I was relieved, of course. But I also remembered Richard's concern.
It would be easy to conclude that I had simply missed my morning coffee, needed a good meal, and was fine again. Perhaps that played a part, but I should not jump to conclusions.
At my age, an unusual feeling of tiredness deserves attention, even if it passes. If it returns or persists, I should seek medical advice rather than simply blame it on a missed cup of coffee.
Growing older does not mean we must stop enjoying life. It does mean learning to recognise when our bodies need a little more care.
Friendship is sometimes a quiet act of kindness
Richard's concern reminded me that friendship is not always about having a good conversation, sharing a laugh, or playing a game together.
Sometimes, friendship means noticing that someone does not look well.
Sometimes, it means quietly telling his wife, “Please take good care of him.”
And sometimes, it means accepting that advice without feeling embarrassed or pretending that everything is fine.
I am grateful to have friends who care. I am also grateful to Julie, who passed Richard's message along.
As we grow older, we often talk about staying independent. I value my independence, too. I enjoy going out, walking, playing ping pong, visiting restaurants, and working on my AI123.ca and Grandpa Journey projects.
But independence does not mean ignoring the people around us. Accepting a little care from others is not a weakness. It is part of being human.
My takeaway for today
I am back home, feeling better, and ready to enjoy a quieter afternoon.
There is no need to squeeze another activity into the day. I have already had my exercise, a good lunch, and a reminder that someone was looking out for me.
My lesson is simple: enjoy life, stay active, but listen to your body. And when a friend expresses concern, take a moment to listen.
We cannot control every change that comes with age. But we can learn to respond with a little more patience, a little more wisdom, and a little more gratitude.
A good friend may notice your tiredness before you do. A wise person knows when to slow down and pay attention.
That is one small lesson from Grandpa Journey today.
And Richard, if you happen to read this, thank you for looking out for me. Sometimes, a simple act of concern means more than we realise.
— Grandpa Journey
A Little Advertising. A Little Friendship. A Lot of Heart.
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