“I’ll Live”

I eat more than I know I should.

I drink a lot. They say that’s not good.

I sit for hours, just watching TV.

I don’t sleep much, but that’s fine with me.

They say this is harming my health,

not to mention it’s hurting my wealth.

Still, I won’t change. That’s my prerogative.

I am ninety-nine years old. I’ll live.

Lauretta E. Hertel is a born-and-raised Washingtonian who has enjoyed many years of being a nanny, and is looking forward to dedicating more time to writing and photography in her retirement.

SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

SHARING STORIES is featured on http://www.northwestprimetime.com, the website for Northwest Prime Time, a monthly publication for baby boomers, seniors, retirees, and those contemplating retirement. The newspaper can be found in the greater Seattle area and other Puget Sound locations. For more information, call 206-824-8600 or visit http://www.northwestprimetime.com. To find other SHARING STORIES articles on this website type “sharing stories” in the search function above.