I had a feature, called Julie’s Jewels, on Norns Triad Publications’ blog. I used it to share tidbits about my life, which I tied into book suggestions (because you know I love books). I thought it might be fun to do something similar here. Hence, the birth of this series, #NorthupNews.
The cool thing is that my partners, Sahara Foley and Karen J. Mossman, have similar features on their blogs. It is a way for us to connect with our readers. Hopefully, it is as interesting to you as it is for us.
Aging is not difficult, but illness and disease are.
Aging never bothered me. I am not vain and truly believe age is a human construct to measure stages of life, not intellect or maturity. I go with the “you are as old as you act.”
That being said, I am a realistic, too. I understand everything has a lifespan, which means an expiration date. Things grow and decay, so why should we think we are immune to that truth?
I have worked with geriatric people, orthopedically handicapped people, people with various traumas, and known people who struggle with various illnesses. This is sometimes related to aging and sometimes not. It just reminds me how frail and valuable life it. It also reminds me not to fear aging, but to welcome it as a mark of endurance.
Dr. Jeffrey Laitman joins WIRED to break down how our organs and body parts age from head to toe. From hearing and hair loss to sagging skin and deteriorating joints, Dr. Laitman highlights the impact of aging on the human body—and what we can do about it.
The problem with aging is the increase potential for illness, disease, and injury. Some of us don’t need to be elderly for this, which is why I say aging isn’t difficult per say. Of course, it just adds to the risk factors.
I deal with various chronic conditions regularly. Dementia in various forms, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, mental health… Some disease are visible while others are not.
I recently faced death at work, through the loss some friends experienced, and then with the shock of a loved one recently having a mini stroke. I see it everyday, but it still hurts in all its forms. That is why I wanted to write this post. I wanted to offer encouragement, books to help cope with loss, pain, and struggle, and just to let readers know they are not alone because it does feel lonely.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Someone will always reach back if you let them!
J.M. NORTHUP 