Old-Age Dropsy

RDP Thursday – FUMBLE

ate Middle English: from Low German fommeln or Dutch fommelen .

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One of the most frustrating things that is happening as I grow older is that I can’t depend on my fingers to do what I tell them. I drop stuff ALL the time.  I joke that I have the dropsy, although I know dropsy is something else entirely. 

I’m not accurate on the piano.  I’m slower than I used to be.  I love to knit and crochet, but my hands tire easily. 

But the worst thing is that I just can’t seem to hold on to things.  I’m learning to handle small items, like my daily pills, over a bowl so that when I drop one–and I will–it won’t end up rolling all the way to the other end of the house. 

Fumblefingers. 

My hands don’t tremble yet, but I’m sure that’s coming.  Terry gets the shakes if, for instance, he’s bringing me a cup of coffee and sets it down on the tray next to my chair. It frustrates him terribly.  I understand.  He’s always worked with his hands, and done so incredibly well.  Now, he’s having the same problems I do with dropping things. 

And I don’t seem to have the same ability to see where, for instance, a glass of water is in relation to my hand if I’m reaching for something near the glass. Over it goes, and water spreads like wildfire.  I’m making accommodations for this.  I keep a glass of water near my chair but I’m learning to turn and LOOK before I reach for something; I don’t move my hand until I’m sure I won’t touch my water glass. 

Well, I can still type.  And I’m told that typing is great for keeping stiff fingers more flexible. 

And I can still work. I can do almost everything I’ve always done, just have to modify things here and there.  So I’m really working on being thankful instead of annoyed when I drop things.  It could be a whole lot worse. 

By the way, and this has nothing to do with today’s prompt, one of my sons introduced me to a vocal a cappella group called Voctave.  They have several albums, but if you’re looking for some new Christmas music, you should check them out.  Beautiful, classy, fun.  I have Amazon prime, so I can stream their music.  I use my Alexa.  It’s a treat. If you love music, you should check them out. 

RDP: Fumble

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