The Great Unknown- Personal Exploration

September 22, 1927, The day of birth- mine. This day April 22, 2024 I write, the decade now evaporated into thin air it seems, the past! Now not only faced with the great unknown, but living the great unknown. Transitioning from the beauty of ownership, home ownership, to a facility of safety, demands of aging, exploring the unknown where the everyday of life rest in the hands of others—aids, nurses, administrators, the very good fueling, the body, now explorations of life.

               Surrounded by the familiars of home ownership transitioned from many rooms to but two experiencing the needs of every day, the basic requirements of a life being well lived, somewhat a challenge. Every twenty-four hours I face the unknowns, with folks unknown, in physical structures unknown. Exploring the restrictions, the possibilities an invigorating requirement in positive thinking. To do otherwise would simply foster distrust, disappointment.

               And so, a game in simplicity catches my attention, introduces me to a near-by apartment dweller, Scrabble by name, pricks the mind into spelling, into the connectivity of works, life sustaining blood flowing through heart beating, veins, arteries to the brain. Violia—a new word surfaces.

               Each morning this exploration into this new unfamiliar environment activates the habits if-you-will of feet on the floor at 4:00a.m., brushing of teeth, washing the essentials, dressing appropriately for the day ahead. Routines of a lifetime now and important “activity “of a day in Senior Living. An exploration in the realization of my ability to do this. Hurrah! I can.

               Feeding of the soul, a lifelong part of whom I am becomes a “will it happen here” moment. It does. Brief Bible study a discussion, suddenly in a chapel on “campus” satisfactory time spent on the study of just that faith; exploring that which we cannot see, or hear or taste, or can we?

               Sarah Reed Senior Living, the title of the facility which I continue to explore daily after nine months of residence. It is Sarah Reed University. No 101 course in college could possibly equal that which I am exploring and experiencing here. Birthdays are given prominence in any given month. We gather, enjoy live music, devour ice cream, socialize and then unknowns—the other day being two undertakers wheeling a casket closed thankfully, past this gathering while the accordion was playing country music. As I said, “the unknown becomes the unexpected, life a party continues unperturbed.

               Folks in their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond experiencing those which have become part and parcel of their lives forever, now in twilight years, things which would have been sentimental as then witnessed become life-as-usual. Part of exploring life at the “University” is the comfort, maybe the passivity of accumulated experiences. I am learning. I explore.

               The mention of the facility itself is worthy of attention. Strong in structure, surrounded by lovely gardens, ample parking speaks to residents, employees, the public at large. Senior citizens are of worth. Patios furnished in white, sturdy chairs, flowering large pots dotting the area speak to me in the genial atmosphere of comfort for those now residing here, those whose abilities are lessening can enjoy changing seasons, sunshine’s uplifting value.

               Communication, a most important aspect of residents in senior facilities, continues as I explained, keeping up with the outside world. Need for a voice, contact, the telephone, attempts at dabbling in technology, the phone, computer available as I journey this now becoming familiar “unknown.” Inter communication is not only available but so necessary acquainting the new resident with the notability of a thriving community.

               Which brings me to mention the many departments of service viable to the various needs physically and mentally at this university’s departments which are there for this resident as needs occur. The fact these specialty areas are in place brings comfort in the knowing.

               Residents offer exploration constantly. Absence of name tags encourages conversation in the introduction of one to another. Name tags for employees assist greatly in relation to their responsibility. All residents and/or employees dress appropriately as exploring, navigating life amongst unknows persons. Exploring often merges into the art of observation, the many aspects of the environment giving clues as to what comes next, with whom, etc. Lewis and Clark, Columbus, Magellan would have picked up clues about their surroundings, it would seem in their pursuit in the unknown. This university offers the same opportunity in a smaller, more personable type of exploration.

               Exploration needs are at times small in pursuit although most of us have usually thought of them in terms of the Great Explorers through history. Each day in the life here at the University the unknown becomes “what’s for dinner” not only for sustenance but as an activity punctuating a day long on quiet, unspoken uninvolved requirement.

               Music, always a necessity in navigating life, is a real part of life here at Sarh Reed. Exploring this life has and is verifying that, twice weekly live music provides pleasure following dinner. Relaxation in preparation for a good night’s sleep, the pay off. Further exploring, music enables gatherings of one kind or another, the all-important Birthday celebrations an example. Exposure of various instruments education as well as pleasurable—accordion, viola, piano, saxophone, exploring further opportunities spark imagination of the unknown, the wished for.

               Exploring something completely new brings me to the very act of aging, the actuality. Exploring this phase of life can only be realized by life itself. Imagining what lies ahead, the unknowns is daunting. Examples of these end-of-life experiences occur daily, quietly, respectfully, a part of living if-you-will. Nearing ten decades of rich personal, purposeful life, limits on mobility, travel outside this facility, always cognitive twenty-four hours. Responsibility is heightened when “helpers” are called into action by way of transport, etc. Medical persons eventually the norm I suppose. Cannot explore that at this time is often said “time will tell.”

               Let me just say exploring life in an unfamiliar place, learning a new way in which life requires physical plus mental alertness not unlike that in learning to walk and talk in the first place those years of infancy long, long ago.

-Jane Hess at 97