I think I'm getting older... but it beats the alternative

I've always subscribed to my own school of thought, the one that says: "My parents are 'middle-aged' so I'm still a young person." Unfortunately, my permanent placement of them in the "middle-aged" category has not (as I'd hoped) stopped time. At 36, I think I'm experiencing the on-set of arthritis -- or something like it. I have aching joints in my hands. This is not "cool," fun, or entertaining (at least, not to me).

The top knuckle of my left thumb, the same knuckle on my left "pinky" finger, as well as the middle knuckle of my right middle finger have all been hurting for a few weeks. "Hurting" is a good description for my "pinky" finger, however, the other two have been throbbing with pain. Earlier this week, while on the phone with my mother I mentioned this current happenstance. She sounded slightly amused, but offered advice on dealing with arthritis pain. (Advice received from friend of ours, that knows Japanese Shiatsu massage.) She said to squeeze and massage the sides of the knuckles until it stops hurting. With nothing to lose but pain, I tried it.

The "pinky" finger quit hurting in 2 or 3 minutes. I was excited. The middle finger didn't quit hurting right away, but after 10 minutes, the pain was barely noticeable. I was glad. After a few days of working on it, it hurts very little, and then only rarely. The worst is my thumb; no matter how long and hard I've worked, it still hurts -- very, very badly. Mom also recommended taking lecithin with my other vitamins. I'm hoping that offers some relief. This "getting old" stuff is doing just that... getting old.

Dad said he could cure the pain for 2 cents. He was kidding, but I declined. Remembered he cured Mom's asthma and allergy problems (when I was a kid in Illinois) for 2 cents.

2 cents paid for the bullet -- with which he shot the dog -- the dog that caused most of Mom's allergy problems. (Yes we were sad, but Mom got better.) Glad he was kidding about me. =)

I remember reading ex-Navy SEAL Richard Marcinko's view of pain:
"Pain is God's way of reminding you that you're still alive." I just wish I could find the "pain off" button. Realization of "aliveness" set in long ago, and has been duly noted. =)