My life at 85
Today is my birthday. I am 85 years old now. I feel a little sad but I accept it because it is a natural process of life.
I live with my husband and my children’s houses are nearby. As a Vietnamese Australian we were taught that we have to look after my parent well when they are old because they sacrificed their whole life for raising us. But I cannot expect my children do the same like us before because they grew up here in Australia so they have adopted the Western style easily. They work and have their own family too, so they can visit us when they have time. Luckily, my grandchildren come to see us very often; my house is on the way to their office. Whenever the kids come, we are really happy to sit and chat or have dinner together.
My health is not good as it was. I am having a lack of mental sharpness, lacking vitality as a result of natural stereotype. My knees have some limitations after I had a replacement surgery.
To me the most important is keeping healthy both physically and mentally because I have to look after my husband and live with my grandkids as long as I could.
At first I felt a bit lonely when my children married and moved out. They lived with us for over 30 years. In addition, I retired 20 years ago. I was bored but I have to adjust myself by joining a charity club or using computer.
Every weekend my daughter comes and shops with me. She cooks and freezes the food so I can heat and serve with my husband straight away. Sometimes I cook too but just quick meals because my knees are bothering me.
I think my greatest thing I have achieved in my life is work as a nurse help people by saving their life and ease their pain.