Fielder’s Choice - Barry Burleson


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Fielder’s Choice
By Barry Burleson

Fifty brings back pain

At church a few weeks ago, the announcements included a “Senior Day” at a church in a neighboring county.

I thought nothing about it.

Then someone asked, “For what ages?”

A quick reply from one of our members was “50 and over.”

Of course, my loving wife Pam looked directly at me and smiled.

I did not smile back.

I turned 50 back on August 25, and for the first time, I was getting referred to as a “senior.”

I immediately thought that maybe I can start getting those senior citizens’ discounts at some restaurants, too.

The big “5-0” never really phased me when it hit. I did not feel 50, and some nice folks even told me I did not look 50.

But then a few days after the “Senior Day” reference at church, I suddenly had a back problem.

I can hardly ever recall my back hurting. It started early last week. Then about mid-week last week, after taking some rather heavy newspapers to the post office, I could barely move.

The next morning I asked Pam to “please” tie my shoes.

I’ve been told by some rather kind people since then that it has nothing to do with age. That made me feel much better.

Sue Watson, our South Reporter expert at diagnosing things, told me the pain involved some muscle with a fancy name. She said it would go away in a few weeks. That was comforting.

It could have something to do with slipping on the stairs a few weeks ago, but that was about a week before I even noticed the pain.

It hurts most when riding in a vehicle.

At night, it’s OK.

At work, as long as I’m not lifting, I hardly notice it.

It was OK while walking the sideline at football games Thursday and Friday nights.

Sitting on the couch is not too comfortable, especially when I start getting up.

This week I’ve been pushing the Ibuprofen more often. I’m hoping it will get better soon, particularly before our vacation plans for Thanksgiving week.

If not, I guess it’s time for another doctor’s visit – the second one in a few weeks after going for the routine “turning 50” checkup.

Here are a few quotes I found about turning 50.

“Fifty years: here’s a time when you have to separate yourself from what other people expect of you, and do what you love. Because if you find yourself 50 years old and you aren’t doing what you love, then what’s the point?” ~ Jim Carrey

“The years between 50 and 70 are the hardest. You are always being asked to do more, and you are not yet decrepit enough to turn them down.” ~T.S. Eliot

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” ~ Carl Sandburg

“After a man is 50, you can fool him by saying he is smart, but you can’t fool him by saying he’s pretty.” ~ E.W. House

Last Sunday, Oct. 30, I noticed the “Senior Day” brochure still on the church bulletin board. It was this past Saturday, Oct. 29.

“I can’t believe I forgot about the ‘Senior Day,’” I remarked. “I was looking forward to it.”

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