Mitchell Oakley: I'm handling daily life changes as age takes over

Earlier in my retirement years, I essentially maintained the same pace I enjoyed while at work with one huge exception. I didn’t get up early. In fact, I managed to sleep later and not leave home until about noon.

For the better part of 40 years, I was used to eating lunch either in Ayden or Grifton during my days managing a newspaper. So my retirement days effectively started at lunch when I’d find a place to eat or grab a box lunch somewhere to take home to eat. Then it was back to my home office where I’d write my columns and/or work on other projects.

I also took time to travel to western North Carolina on occasion to visit my daughter’s family and watch my grandchildren participate in whatever sport they were playing. For the past year and a half, visiting my western North Carolina family hasn’t been on my agenda. I’ve had leg issues that I’ve written about here and traveling a long distance is not something I feel comfortable doing. In fact, I seldom make commitments because I never know when my legs will get the best of me.

I’ve slowed down during that year and a half. I certainly don’t walk the same fast gait I once did. Likewise, I cannot do some of the things I once did. Age is taking over, and that happens at some point in time to all of us.

However, I’m not ready to sing the late Toby Keith’s song, “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” although it is a song I enjoy hearing.

Grandson Ian celebrated a birthday in February and my daughter celebrated hers in early March. Caleb, my oldest grandson, and my sister both celebrated their birthdays this past week. My daughter and the grandkids got a telephone call from me even though I mailed them cards with a small gift inside. All were serenaded as well, but I’m not so sure how well they enjoyed me singing “Happy Birthday” to them.

My sister got a text from me and also a big hint when I referred to her as a great “cake maker.” I hope I covered all my bases even though I didn’t physically see all of them.

Age has also made me a bit more bullheaded. I refuse to purchase cable television. I found dealing with the company was aggravating and I got tired of them raising rates whenever the mood hit them. I cut the cord and have been happier ever since.

Thus, I’ve seen less sports than I once did. That has been good, I think, especially considering the fact we’ve lowered our standards so much in North Carolina that we’re now able to set the wrong example for our young people by not only gambling on games but promoting gambling openly.

I’ve been able to see a few basketball games on free television. It has been nice to see the “weak” ACC teams put four out of five teams in the final 16. We should all be proud of UNC, Duke, NCSU and Clemson. Only Virginia from the ACC lost in a play-in game.

Most folks who know me know that I’ve always been a sports fan, but my attitude toward sports has changed over time. I can take it or leave it. I don’t have to watch it. I watched this past week because it was either watch basketball or some of my favorite Westerns. The Westerns were re-runs.

Rest assured, I’ve questioned myself about why I should even watch basketball when we are setting such a poor example to our children and grandchildren when it comes to gaming.

Finally, my week came to fruition by watching my granddaughter play in a softball tournament over the weekend. Her travel team, NC Thunder 14U, won six consecutive games Sunday to win the tournament championship. The team won the games by the following consecutive scores: 13-0, 4-2, 12-0, 5-1, 11-6, and 7-1.

I was able to see her games via a computer application called “Game Changer.” Her tournament was in Burlington and all the games were live-streamed. I’m thankful for the technology that enables me to see her play when I would not otherwise be able to see the game.

All you young folks out there reading this column need to understand that one day you will be me. My father used to say that to me, but I paid about as much attention to him as you will probably pay to me. But I learned! I learned that age slows you down at some point, so why not slow down now and smell the roses and care about things that really matter?

What doesn’t matter is the drama, anger and the payback attitude that exists in this country today. Love your neighbors. Love your family and love your enemies because it is the only way for you to remain free in your own mind.