July 12, 2026
I may have had an epiphany this week or I may have used my age for exploiting two situations. I checked the dictionary; epiphany is defined as a sudden moment of insight or understanding. Manipulation is defined as influencing someone unfairly for your own benefit.
Yes, I think it was an epiphany.
I have not aged graciously. I fight daily to maintain my strength and stamina. I am careful when walking to avoid falls as my balance is not as good as it used to be. I avoid driving in unfamiliar places at night because I am a danger to others as well as myself. I have become so used to my hearing aids that I momentarily got into the shower when wearing them. After a year I now wear my CPAP mask and use the machine throughout the night.
The epiphany or manipulation occurred when I used my graying hair to request and accept assistance.
I attended the July 4th parade in Slater to aid the Democrat House candidate as he had an entry in the parade. I was late for the parade. I was late as the bridge across the Des Moines River between Woodward and Madrid is CLOSED! This resulted in a lengthy detour back to Woodward, through Grimes, north to Madrid and east to Slater. So, the parade was about to begin, and the cars had limited access. I was about one-half mile away. I could have walked, but because of the time urgency, I approached a total stranger in a golf cart and requested a ride.
He was kind and gracious and said he would take me to the parade entry point. As we entered the area, there were three entry points, so he took me directly to the candidate’s float.
The second experience occurred when I was carrying a milk crate containing 15 individual bottles of water for a Friends of Rippey meeting. I was handling it! I had some cookies and a notebook as well. When the chairperson came and said “let me help,” I let her. That was the recognition of the epiphany moment.
I asked for a ride in the golf cart and then accepted an offer of help.
From now on if someone holds the door for me, I don’t reflect, “they think I am old,” rather I smile and graciously thank them. I am not using my age as manipulation for help but rather accepting of the epiphany moment.
I think you should too!
VIEW FROM MY WINDOW is shared by Mary Weaver of rural Rippey.
