Senior Moments Happy Living Over the Hill

By Lita T. Cruz

This book features a group of  happy active elderlies who, instead of being scared of aging, prefer to enjoy the freedom that it brings. They believe that an idle mind brings unhappy thoughts, so  befriending other seniors, calling each other on times of stress do help. Seniors can be each other's therapist. 

The group of six elderly never adhere to opinions that they are too old to do things that they used to do when they were young.. Seniors can still play bowling, dance, go out on a date, and so many things. They should always bear in mind that in love... age does not matter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lita T. Cruz
• Release date: Apr 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386325536

Book preview

Chapter One

The Age Fear Fighters

Right after their regular Wednesday bowling practice, the six bosom buddies, Carla, Charles, Michael, Miriam, Joe and Laurena, the senior friends, who were more popular in their club as the ‘The Age Fear Fighters’ were tired and sweating but they still had the energy to tease each other about the game they loved to play.

The team posed as the role model for the elders in their apartment complex and to those seniors whom they meet.

Instead of worrying for an added number of years on their birthdays, they counted and celebrated another happy year of freedom.

Instead of fearing sickness and death, they look at it as part of life’s challenges and the beginning of eternal life.

Instead of accepting gifts on their birthdays and Christmas, they treated friends, for celebrating with them as their special buddies.

These are some of the reasons why they were branded as, The Age Fear Fighters.

That particular year, they all knew that Miriam Ellison turned seventy. Michael Powell, who was secretly in love with her was seventy-seven, Charles Winston was seventy-five and the apple of his eyes, Carla Johnson was seventy-eight, Laurena Walton, who was fond of Joe Ferrer was seventy-three and the latter, who was hiding his feelings for Laurena was seventy-six.

None of the six seniors knew how they felt for each other. The ladies didn’t even confide it with anyone.  Keeping their feelings within them was better than being the center of jokes. A senior falling in love? They all considered it ridiculous!

The gentlemen openly admitted their feelings for their lady friends, whenever they got together for a men’s drink, but they promised to keep it a secret among the three of them. Their friendship with the three ladies were precious. They didn’t want to lose them should they learned of their secret feelings.

All six of them believed that they were too old to be in love nor to get involved. It was better for them to be just friends... close friends.

Carla was eating her breakfast as she ran through her mails. She was a little bit nervous as she opened a letter from Global Elderly Foundation. She almost yelled with joy, when she read that the entry she mailed for their group, ‘The Age Fear Fighters (TAFF)’ was approved to participate in the preliminary bowling contest. Whoever passed the elimination will be included in the tournament. 

At the bowling center, Carla showed the letter which made them all overwhelmed and excited.

I am sure that we will pass the elimination process. Charles immediately bragged.

For sure, because you guys have me! Michael seconded looking at Miriam for approval.

Miriam laughed shaking her head.

Why don’t we start playing so we can see who is the best player among us! Carla, the toughest of them was challenged.

Ok as you wish!  Charles was in the mood to tease. Brace yourself dear ones, the greatest bowler of the group will show you the right way of playing! Carla’s smile inspired him.

Ok, Laurena and I will start the game! C’mon Laurena, don’t be scared, I will take it easy! Joe looked at Laurena with a controlled grin.

Oh yeah? Let’s see who gets the best score between the two of us! Laurena was careful not to summon everybody as she knew how good they were in bowling.

The TAFF cheered as both parties played. The ladies for Laurena and the gents for Joe.

The senior men were quiet and the senior women were arrogantly applauding when Laurena won the game by two points.

This is a total disgrace to us gentlemen. Charles immediately went to the alley. Carla, show me the best that you can give! and both of them played. Carla won by 1 point.

Now tell me folks! Am I really the oldest? Carla humorously asked as she grasped her face towel inside her handbag to wipe her sweating face. Have mercy on you, the oldest won the game...again! And she facetiously burst into laughter.

Yeah right! You are just lucky today, Carla! Next week, you will be staring at the star bowler! Michael bragged with an impish smile.

You don’t call anyone, just lucky, if she wins four times in a row within a span of one month, mister! Carla retorted immediately, having fun teasing her bowling buddies.

Both of you, better stop it! Next week, I will be the winner, that I assure you! Charles bragged. I was the second runner up with only two points behind. I promise, I will be the top one in all the weeks to come!

Yeah right, what will you do? Practice the whole day and night for two weeks? Carla can’t stop! She was in the mood to tease around.  Being the oldest in the group, they always humor her that she must be patient and condoning.  She knew they were just kidding and it was time for her to roast them back.

Fellows! The game is not over yet! Michael humorously stood up. You still have me to win this game. Sorry Miriam, if you lose today. Michael threw his first ball. He got nine points.

Miriam got a strike on her first and last ball and won three points over Michael.

They ended up laughing.  They all loved to play bowling since teen-hood, but that was long ago. They only resumed playing bowling as an exercise when they retired.

Ok, I am famished! Let’s go to our favorite restaurant before we end up scratching each other’s faces! Said Michael pretending to be upset. He was craving for his favorite Tamales in the Mexican Restaurant close to their apartment.

Ok, let’s go! Charles replied for the others, and they all hopped inside the van. Charles grinned and drove towards the eatery.

On their way to the cafeteria, Carla was smiling as she thought of how she met this party of five three years ago.

She met the two ladies at the nearby store, while grocery shopping.  It was a funny incident! They laughed each time they talked about it.

Carla was lined up behind Miriam, when the lady behind them tripped and her cart bumped Carla, who in turn fell on Miriam.

Dear Lord! I’m so sorry for being so clumsy! I hope you two are not hurt. The lady was blushing with embarrassment. I’m Laurena Walton! Here, let me hold your hand! Laurena said as she offered her right hand for her to hold.

I am ok, nice to meet you! I am Carla Johnson, and she turned to the lady in front of her and apologized for slamming on her too.

Oh, it’s a minor accident, I understand. I’m Miriam Ellison, nice meeting you both.

They were so embarrassed to see that the cashier was smiling, patiently waiting for them to finish their mess so they could check out.

The line of customers behind them was getting longer by the minute, some decided to transfer to another lane.  

Miriam didn’t leave after she checked out. She waited for them as they looked really familiar.

As they talked, they realized that they all lived in the nearby two-story senior apartment complex which had thirty-six units.

After giving each other their apartment unit number, they went home on separate cars, but since then, they became bosom buddies, going to senior parties, outings, and their favorite pastime... bowling.  

They met Charles Winston, Michael Powell and Joe Ferrer at the Senior Bowling Center through an unexpected funny circumstance.

Carla had a signed contract with the bowling center for the reservation of Lane No. 11 and 12 every Wednesday from three to six in the afternoon renewable every year. 

That particular Wednesday afternoon, Charles, Joe and Michael played on the same aisles at the same date from one to three. They were so glued in playing that at almost three, they were still competing. The manager who planned to place the reserve sign on the aisles was held up by an important phone call.

Carla, Laurena and Miriam, fully equipped with their bowling outfit, came and seated at the back seats of the lanes thinking that the three gentlemen would finish soon.

Charles incidentally looked back and saw the three ladies seated, who seemed so comfortable and relaxed watching them.

Michael, Joe, there are three lovely ladies seated at the back seats. I am sure they are impressed with our bowling technique that’s why they sat there comfortably watching us!  Charles arrogantly whispered to his friends as he picked his last ball.

Oh yes, I presume they are seniors like us, who love to bowl that is why they still look fit and charming. Michael replied softly.

Joe looked at the three ladies and gave a friendly smile.

Charles threw his last ball and it was a strike, followed by a spare.

The three ladies stood up and clapped thinking that the game was over and the guys were done. Time for them to take over the lanes.

The guys on the other hand thought that the ladies intended to shake their hands, so they took their hands and introduced themselves. Out of courtesy, the ladies told them their names too.

Carla, Laurena, Miriam, care to play bowling with me, Joe and Michael? Charles, was all smiles believing that they were doing the ladies a big favor.

The bowling center was fully booked and they presumed that the ladies were waiting for them to finish so they could play after them.

Where? Carla was a bit confused. The lanes were reserved for them. In what other lanes would Charles take them to play?

Here! I reserved it from one to three but I am sure we can extend it if you want to play with us! Charles said bragging. The three ladies looked at each other trying their best to stop laughing.

Thanks for the invite. But it is ok! You can play with us. I reserved this lane for one year from three to six in the afternoon every Wednesday! Carla said it with humor to avoid embarrassing the three gentlemen.

The gents could see that the ladies were trying to control their laughter.

Oh! Stupid me! I am sorry, I didn’t have any clue that you were waiting for us to finish our game! Charles replied blushing.

Can we really join you? That’s great! Michael tried to save Charles from further embarrassment.

Sure! Why not! We can start a team for all we know! Carla replied looking at Miriam and Laurena for approval.

Oh yes! We can be a team of six! Miriam added.

Shall we start now? Laurena showed her eagerness to start playing. It would be more challenging to play against men. They brought out the best in women.

Since then, they became bosom buddies especially when they realized that all six of them live in the same apartment complex.

Charles, having a van, picked and dropped them each time they went out for Holy Mass, bowling, parties or any activities.

They chipped-in on gas, oil and maintenance of the van. It was a beautiful arrangement as they all can save. All of them had their own cars which were rarely used since they started bonding as a group. They preferred to be in the company of each other most of the time.

When they ate outside, they ordered for four people and divide the expenses among six of them. Seniors no longer eat much anyway, especially the ladies who regularly monitored their weight.

All six of them believed that their group was on a win-win situation. They enjoyed more! They saved a lot!

One night, as they were having dinner, Miriam, who was the most talkative of them all was unusually quiet.  She was present but it was obvious that her mind seemed to linger elsewhere. She didn’t react to all the jokes they were having. She quietly ate her share of Burritos heaving a deep sigh in between.

They looked at each other and gave Charles a sign to serve as the spokesman.

Miriam, is there something bothering you! Do you mind telling us what it is? Charles sensed that the group wanted him to ask. They all knew he was keen on human behavior, being a retired Psychiatrist.

Miriam heaved a deep sigh trying to control her tears.

Why don’t we all go to the park and let’s do a group sharing moment. Michael suggested! We have not done that at all! I think we need to do that once in a while! He added.

That is awesome! I agree! I myself want something to spill out! Laurena blurted out.

Me too! Charles raised his hand.

Me three! Carla cried out jokingly but became serious eventually. I also have puzzling issues I have been carrying with me for a while!

Me four! Followed by Joe. Not only women have issues. Men too! He said seriously.

Charles paid the bill with his credit card, and the rest gave him their share of meal expenses in cash.

On their way to the park, they were all quiet. All of them were sure that whatever was bugging Miriam... had something to do with her family.

They were lucky that the small Pagoda situated on the very center of the park was vacant. They took their places on the bench and after few minutes, they looked at Miriam as they waited for her to share with them what was bothering her.  

My husband died of heart attack leaving me our only child, my son, who was then only seven years old. I focused my full attention on him. He was my life and my all. Miriam got her handkerchief to wipe her tears.

"I dropped him at school before I went to work, and picked him up after his class, drove him home, had early dinner, got back to work.... my neighbor watching and tutoring him.

On weekends, we went to parks, movies, parties and holy mass on Sundays. It was a routine that we got used to. He and me rather spent our time together rather than with our friends.

He didn’t mind being called a ‘mother’s pet’ and he in return tagged me as a ‘son’s favorite." Miriam stopped and they all saw her with a smile looking blankly as if imagining her son was beside her.

Please go on, Miriam, we are all ears to your story! Charles prodded gently!

Miriam looked at them and continued.

I sent him to college where he met Susan. They both majored in accounting and passed the board, one year before I retired. Miriam had another pause. They were all looking at her, waiting for her to continue.

My only child, my son and my best friend got married. From the church, they proceeded to the party ... then they left for their out of town  honeymoon... back to an apartment which they rented without anyone knowing, not even me, his mother, whom he always said was his mentor and best friend!

She stopped, took her handkerchief, wiped her tears, blew her nose and continued. "For several years, since then, things drastically changed. It got worse when they had their three children. I seldom see them and each time I plan to go to their place, they were not always available! Now, my grandkids are grown-ups... they are