Tag: aging

How to Calculate Lifespan in Stamps and Checks

Published on by cmglifeLeave a comment

First Calculation (Stamps):

I was asked to mail a document recently with an original signature. I had used my last stamp at Christmas, so I bought 2 books 40 stamps. I felt uneasy when I did the math and realized that based on use, the stamps might outlive me.

1 stamp x 30 yrs = 30 stamps (10 leftover)

Second Calculation (Checks):

I was asked to submit a voided check for direct deposit. I haven’t had a checkbook in over 10 yrs, so I went to my bank in person and asked for 4. I used the same stamp formula.

1 check x 3 decades = 3 checks (1 leftover)

I think it’s obvious I did not use an official actuarial table, but I feel pretty good about my lifespan represented in stamps and temporary checks.

Link to an actual actuarial table: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/STATS/table4c6.htm

Stunned

Published on by cmglife

When I talk to my dad it feels like he is trying to protect me from the truth. I know he knows what it may be, but says it’s not smart to speculate, so he doesn’t tell me. He must understand how impossible it is for the human brain not to speculate when only given bits and pieces of information, not enough to form a complete picture. I know he is speculating, against his will, but he is speculating.

We were supposed to know last Tuesday and then on Thursday. All I have to rely on are quick cryptic text messages from my dad as the information trickles in from the medical professionals. In the meantime we are all looking up symptoms on WebMD and the Mayo Clinic website. Speculating.

Friday she ended up in the hospital, but was released and is now convalescing on my dad’s couch.

Monday. That is the day the labs come back.

Scared? Sad? My head is spinning, maybe I am just stunned. My mother used to be as strong as a horse physically. I never thought of her as old. My dad said he used to refer to her as an ant, carrying more than her body weight. Now she is so small and thin. Her hair is snow white and her skin is almost see through.

Our relationship has always been quite on and off. I had an old post that said how much it hurt when she stopped sending me birthday cards, but lately she has been trying so, of course, I welcomed her back with open arms.

I’m afraid she may have waited too long to come back and now she’ll be gone again.