NOT READY TO BE REDUNDANT YET, PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT

In Britain the unemployed are referred to as "redundant." The telly will inform the public that the redundancy rate for such and such a month was a certain percentage.

Personally, I don't like that word. Yes, I am retired and sometimes tired, but I usually find something to do. I admit that it isn't as much as I used to do. But I do takeout the trash and occasionally do a few chores. I used to visit friends in nursing homes and hospitals.

I once heard a representatives from an agency for the aging say that she thought that many people in nursing homes should get up and become active in doing things, taking part-time jobs, developing a hobby or at least getting out of bed since there is no real reason for them to be there.

Now, I have no desire to become a nursing home resident, although I do respect the work that is done and the care given, but I cannot be convinced that very many residents in nursing homes prefer to be there and that they are perfectly capable to get up and do something worthwhile. It is hard for me to accept the condition of redundancy. Who wants to feel useless and helpless?

I am not old chronologically, but I do not enjoy good health. I am a cardiac who has survived a myocardial infarction and a few strokes, and I have a cerebral embolism. I call myself fortunate, and it is great to be alive. I have had an active life. I have travelled, and I still carry on a fairly active correspondence.

I do have to admit that sometimes in our letters we do compare our common ailments which seem to accrue during the so-called golden years. Occasionally I sit down to write down some of the thoughts I have had while shaving. These thoughts seem to cover a wide spectrum. I have even written a book which is soon to be available.

I try to retain fluency in two languages and can defend myself in two more, and I agree that legal and official documents should be in English. With failing vision I cannot read as much as I once did. Therefore, I suppose you can call me less ambitious, and I am much less active than I used to be.

You may call me almost anything, but please don't call me redundant, because that would hurt. I do admit that it is hard to be out of the mainstream of life and still grow older with grace. I do enjoy expressing my opinions or thoughts about matters, even though you may totally disagree with me.

Possibly some people would enjoy feeling redundant. You may call me many things, but please don't call me redundant. When I get to that point I won't be able to share even my musings with you. Maybe I am just too proud to face reality, but please don't classify me as redundant just yet.

Wordy I may be, but I hope no superfluous.

Ivan Nothdurft of Cape Girardeau is a retired minister.