While aging doesn't bother me I do sometimes think about the what ifs. Maybe that is why my brother has been such a bear. A few months ago our Grandpa had to be put in a nursing home because of Alzheimer's. Nursing homes absolutely freak my brother out. Our mom has arthritis and it's getting pretty bad. I'd say in another ten years she's screwed. I mean if she'd get with her doctor and talk about it she could probably get some relief but that's not going to happen.

If I were younger and was dealing with the crap that I am right now I'd be in the hospital. Experience has taught me acceptance, patience and resolve that I never had when I was younger. It's also helped me learn to deal with the ups and downs of my bipolar. I still have REALLY bad moments but I deal with it better than I ever did when I was younger.