As we get busy with 2016, for many, it is another year notched up
in a busy calendar with, to borrow a line from Robert Frost, ‘many miles to go
before we sleep’. But what about those who have traversed those miles and
reached the 80 and 90 milestone? Is it time to stop the world and get off?
Not in the least, say these octogenarians and nonagenarians. The
dawning of another day and, more importantly, another year is looked up with
gratitude. With all their life’s experiences tied in a bow, they are making the
most of every moment of their life at 90 or thereabouts, sharpening their wits
even as their bodies bow to the vagaries of time.
“I’m grateful for each day that comes my way. After all, at my age,
every additional day is a blessing,” avers 88-year old Lira Albuquerque as she
stirs up an appetising pot in her kitchen at Tonca, Panjim. “The one thing that
brings me great joy is the presence of my six great grandchildren – I love all
that they say and do, especially their naughtiness,” enthuses this mother of
three while ruing the fact that poor eyesight and an unsteady gait have slowed
her down a bit. She regrets not having travelled more. “I visited Australia
only once after my son and family migrated there. I wish I had gone again. Now
even though the spirit is willing, I cannot manage it. I also regret not doing
my teeth when I was younger.”
But ‘life’s a challenge to be lived no matter what age one is’
believes 96-year-old Cathrina D’Costa. A mother of 13 and a great-grandmother
of several great-grandchildren, she is still raring to go. A recent
hip-fracture is no-deterrent for this Chicalim-based housewife who is preparing
for a trip to Portugal. “Take each day as it comes and live in the love and
fear of the Lord,” she says of her life’s mantra that has seen her through many
turbulent years.
To 96-year-old George Rodrigues, who was active till about a year
ago, there is no way to beat the clock, but just to go with the challenge. “I
am thankful for just having got so far and being able to live a good life,
albeit confined to the house now, since I am not very steady on my feet. I love
watching the sports channel and of course tune in to the channel for Mass every
day. It’s what keeps me motivated,” reveals this Panjim resident.
A former nurse at Hindalco, UP for over two decades, Adeline
Piedade D’Mello moved to Moira after marriage. As active as she was as a young
lady as she is today at 84, she still has dreams and aspirations. “I want to
see my grandchildren touch even greater heights than I have. And if I am
blessed with an even longer life, I would always want to be active and do the
things I enjoy doing. My greatest dream however, is to see the eldest of my
grandchildren marry before I go my way.”
Accepting life’s challenges as they come their way, even at 90,
these senior citizens have the right formula for life as they step into another
year!
