While watching a little television tonight, I noticed a commercial about an upcoming show that informed us about whether or not we would eventually live to be 150. I immediately thought about my grandmother.

My grandmother is 86. My grandfather is 85. They are both still alive and mentally are sharp as a tack. I believe that some of the reasons they are still alive and sharp are that they continue to learn. My grandfather still goes to his law firm everyday. My grandmother still makes it to bridge every week. I also think that because they have a huge family (seven children-minus my mother who died at 27 b/c of breast cancer) that keeps them going.

I think that surrounding yourself with people who love you keeps you warm, loved and young. But things are changing. Times are changing. My grandmother had a three day stay in the hospital for a problem the doctor says is old age. She is having trouble swallowing. After her stay in the hospital, she tripped coming through the front door and was back in the hospital. No broken bones, just made her weaker.

Shortly after this my grandfather was hospitalized for pneumonia. If you talked to them on the phone you would never think that they were 85/86. My grandfather explains to me everything that has been going on. He explains that my grandmother has just run out of gas. She hasn't been active in six weeks. She barely eats. She's lost weight. Is it depression? It's old age and depression.

I slip into my grandmother's shoes and imagine what she is feeling right now. She's watched all of her friends and family pass and her and my grandfather are the only ones left. Time is ticking it seems. The last time I visited she was in her usual chair writing her obituary. I thought this was so odd. Death doesn't have to be so close, don't give it an invitation. Don't give up just yet.

Going to sleep every night wondering if you'll wake up the next morning...going to sleep wondering if you'll ever see your husband again, your children, the sun..life. It's a scary feeling even for those of us that believe in a better place. It's the fear of the unknown that makes thing so uncomfortable. I hurt for both of them.

I wish she had the energy that some older women have. Like today, I went to work out and there was an 87 year woman lifting weights and staying active. You have to stay motivated. I want to tell Mimi that it's not over yet. She's still alive, she's not dead yet. I think she thinks it's "her" time but she could live to be 100.

Seeing my grandparents age smacks me in the face with reality. Seeing my own father get grey hair and wrinkles let's me know that life isn't slowing down for anyone. We should never give up on life or anything for that matter. Live as if there were no end. Don't prepare your obituary, prepare what you will do tomorrow, next week and five years from now. Don't be so quick to close the door on life, on work ......on you.