A VISIT FROM FRIENDS I NEVER KNEW

Although I loathe telling anyone my age (a practice which only started recently, by the way), I will admit to this: menopause stinks. That’s putting it mildly. I never bought into the hormone therapy treatments (although some of my friends say it saved their sanity) nor do I subscribe to the natural soy-drinking-plant-eating route either. No, I prefer to handle it the old fashioned, Irish way. Suffer in silence. Although one might say this column is not evidence of ANYTHING silent. But like any topic I write of, it makes me feel good to get things off my chest and see it in print.

No one in my age group or older can deny the experiences that are universal. Waking at 3am because your body thinks its mid afternoon is not uncommon, and the more tamer of the symptoms. Needing a fan blowing on you when it is 22 degrees in winter is not. Watching my back end get wider and wider because I can’t seem to get enough salt and carbs (read potato chips and pasta) and the desire to shoot anyone who sticks their hand in the bowl are not uncommon. Watching tv commercials with tears streaming down my face is also a treat I wish others could partake in. Who knew Caterpillar could be so moving.

I guess I really should put it all in perspective and concentrate on the important things. I recently married off my oldest son and during that time had scheduled a book signing at Borders Books in Aurora, Colorado. The power of the internet is a wondrous thing. Sue and Craig DeNagel wrote a note in my Facebook account that “great friends from Pultneyville have recently moved out there – I’ll call them and ask them to support your book signing.” Several hours later, who shows up but Jo and Myra Kirkenaer, longtime residents of Lake Road. They drove 80 miles from where they live now in Lyons, CO – all because of an email from friends. I was touched and very thankful for such nice people to take the time to visit with me.

So, I will continue to suffer in not so silent silence, laughing and appreciating what it is really important in life – family, friends and a 10 pound chocolate bar.