Remarkable Women

 

 I read a timely article titled "My Mother Got on a Bike.  It changed her life"  In the February 18, 2024 edition of The New York Times.   The article in question triggered thoughts regarding "It Has Nothing  To Do with Age" and   Linda who had her hip replaced in December ,2023 and is currently exercising on a stationary bike. 

This is a story of a mother ,aged 62, who  joined a bicycle group.  At that time, she was recovering from heartbreak and had just moved to a new town.  Also ,  she reportedly had no background as an outdoor activity enthusiast, thereby making her new activity difficult. Unfortunately, there is  negative messaging surrounding older females.  For instance, older women on television are portrayed on TV advertising smiling while taking medicine.  One recent advertisement in the New York Times by Pfizer stated something to the effect that getting old is associated with becoming sick. Other messaging has to do with failing looks, frail bones, cognitive decline, not being significant nor  happy with their age.

Research by a professor of public health wrote, "We increase our risk of cardiac events and speed of cognitive decline, if we believe that getting older is a time of suffering and diminution... Those of us that view later life as a time of growth and vitality are more likely to stay healthy and to keep senility at bay.  We also live a whopping 7 1/2 years longer. “ One conclusion from this longitudinal study was "Mindset was the most significant factor determining an individual's longevity."

It's true that media dating apps, a youth obsessed culture and too many preconceived notions suggest that "aging “stinks. Also, it’s unfortunate that affirmations and positive self talk are outnumbered by doubt and negativity for too many  aging females.  Mindset is defined as a set of attitudes held by someone.  An attitude is defined as a subtle way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, Typically, one that is reflected in a person's behaviors.  It’s obvious that what takes place between the ears is related to behavior and actions speak louder than words .

Ego needs  can also be fulfilled by behavior.  For example, this 62-year-old female incorporated  a number of positive subliminal phrases about aging like  being spry and capable . The researchers found that on physical tests , individuals with a positive mind set, ended up with a more favorable perception of aging.  While this 62-year-old was pedaling  downhill, she included positive self talk which assisted her ability to meet  her goals.  If her goal was to enter a hundred mile bike ride, then repetitive self talk and repetitive training  workouts became significantly important. She could build on success by telling herself something positive while exerting herself while biking up and down the hills . And  repeated successes would positively influence her aspiration level or her expectancy.  The more repetitive success she had , reinforced the greater the expectancy for success. And as Epicurus brilliantly stated : "The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it." Also, this paradigm meets the ego need of achievement, which is to accomplish something difficult.

By joining a cycling group, she also met the ego need of affiliation  which is to draw near and  cooperate or reciprocate with another. To adhere and remain loyal to a friend.  In other words, interacting while pursuing a goal or goals with friends or training partners results in meeting other ego needs as well. For instance succorance-to have one's needs gratified by a sympathetic aid of an allied object. To be nursed, supported ,sustained ,surrounded,  protected, advised, guided, and  consoled.   Exhibition- to make an impression , to be seen and heard . Deference - to admire and support a superior . These ego needs are powerful, necessary and required as we are a social species.

Typically, most older women don't join groups and instead pull back on physical activities, risk-taking, novel pursuits,  and telling themselves it's too dangerous for their failing body and mind.  Alfred Adler's quote fits "The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions."  Unfortunately, as the cycling mom approached 80, she began to feel unsteady and found out that she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  Her mother said  "I wish I was 60 again."

Linda is doing great with her exercise rehabilitation .  She also attends one session a week in physical therapy and meets twice a week for yoga.

In closing, I prescribed the following  in “ It Has Nothing To Do With Age” for increasing lifespan: 1.  Get inspired.  It's okay to begin a new activity by taking baby steps.  Physical activity can help improve physical fitness, losing weight, reducing anxiety and minimizing depression.  2.  Find meaning in an activity outside of family ,career , raising kids; it can build self-esteem 3 . Enrich your emotional life by making physical contact.; having friends ,sharing  interests , and learning about others  by becoming part of a new group 4.  Realize there is more to life than the accumulation of material things.  5.  Participate in outdoor activities to help nurture spirituality.  6.  Find a way to escape., read about other people's adventures 7 . Find inspiration and motivation through the illuminating profiles of the  eight remarkable senior athletes found within this book 

PS

Outdoor  remarkable enthusiast Linda,  while in her 60s , was active  as a white water river guide,  equestrian, bicyclist , golfer, down hill skier, fly caster,camper and swimmer.

Reference

Murray, H.A. Explorations in Personality..

Neanderthal Intellect

 

Homo sapiens have psychologically and biologically  evolved.  In other words, current sapient motivation has its emotional, cognitive , and behavioral “roots' ' and traits related to those classified and lived as hunters and gatherers  . Current anthropological ,archeology , and zoology research of primitive tribes in remote areas provides additional input and hypotheses related to our ancestors.   This disquisition suggests that not only biologically speaking, but of our mind , neural mechanisms , and the unconscious is carrying  information from our ancestors.

It's been calculated that a small portion of human DNA  1- 6% from modern populations of the Middle East, Europe, East Africa, Australia and Siberia are similar to the DNA of the Neanderthals. There are two theories as to  why the Neanderthals have become extinct.  It could be by some, yet to be discovered,  combination of  interbreeding or the replacement theory with its  genetic mutations . Factually,  Neanderthals were eliminated. Surprisingly, Neanderthal brains are larger than ours , born helpless,  required to be reared,and were able to walk upright with the ability to run.  And,  in the past 10,000 years or so , our species is the only human species that has been able to manipulate the lives of a few animals and plant species.  However, prior to that time.hunter -gatherers spent time in stimulating and varied ways ,had in depth knowledge of animals and plants ,and were more likely to not starve, get disease or become poor .

Hunter gatherers  gorged on high calorie foods.  If they came across food that was sweet  ,ripe  like fruit , they likely ate as much as possible before the competition from another tribe of other  powerful critters arrived to have picked it clean.  Gatherers became  extremely knowledgeable of what and what not to eat.  They identified the " right" mushrooms as an example.  They had to learn and become knowledgeable because their survival depended upon it.  They knew about various  healthy wild plants, acorns, fruits, vegetables, grapes, apples and seeds .  In other words, they ate  a variety of nutritious foods and periods of fasting that  were advantageous to their health.  And , they also incorporated protein and fats for muscle mass, strength,and hunting . In doing so, they met the following ego needs:1. Achievement,  They accomplished  something difficult , mastered , excelled,and increased their ability for survival.  2.  Affiliation. They cooperated with others to accomplish these tasks and established friendship with their commitment.  3.  Defendance . They had to defend themselves against assault from others.  4. Dominance .They were able to control their human environment with their successes.  5  Nurturance .They provided food  for those unable ,  gave sympathy and assisted in caring for survival 6.  Understanding . With trial and error they were able  to speculate, formulate and analyze edible from non edible.

 They also  became knowledgeable and experts  about tracking, establishing  safe and proper techniques for their kill and retention .  Hunting became an art and based upon skill ,endurance and physicality.  They might have had to pursue their prey for long distances and have the ability to climb rocks, navigate streams, mountains for safety, etc. in other words, hunter gatherers were able to use their fingers, arms, legs  effectively with strength and have the ability to run long distances.  Our physiology was  not designed to sit for long periods of time in fancy chairs, seats and sofas.  Physiologically and psychologically they were  smart, strong and were able to survive. Examples of ego needs met Included :1.  Abasement.  They had to submit to external force ,accept injury ,defeat at times when encountering an unknown or superior prey.  They seeked  pain and punishment while tracking down dangerous prey.  2.  Achievement.  They accomplished the difficult 3.  Affiliation, With  cooperation, they were able to be successful.  4.  Aggression . They overcame the opposition ,  prey  forcefully.  They had to fight , and attack for their dinner  5. Defendance.They had to defend themselves from potential failure or inability to  successfully gather, track and kill prey.  7 Deference . They admired a  superior alpha tracker 8.  Dominance . They had to control  and succeed against obstacles and barriers 9 . Exhibition . They made an impression with their ability to succeed and overcome so many difficulties.  10.  Understanding .They learned, they understood once again by trial and error and figured out and developed better techniques,  tools, etc.

Our ancestors were not monogamous,  nor resided in nuclear families, but were pollysexual human beings..  Having multiple sexual partners was advantageous to both male and female in that they believed that many sexual partners resulted in a wonderful array of positive traits that would increase the probability for beauty, intelligence, cunning ,strength, compatibility, and so forth.   They didn't have issues of possession, private property, jealousy, nor any need of any 10 Commandments , Oedipal issues , infertility, Viagra, abortion and so forth.  Their communal configuration was based on a collective fatherhood , cooperation and parenting with many role models and not with rivalries . The following ego needs met include : 1 sex.  They had sexual intercourse.  2. Succorance.  They had their needs gratified by a sympathetic allied other 3.  Sentience .They seeked, and enjoyed sensuous  impressions .

The culture of our ancestors included few artifacts.  These peoples moved around a lot and often  more than likely did not stay very long in one place.  That meant being able to transport oneself easily without a lot of "baggage."  They didn't rely on stuff, state-of-the-art or the latest fashion trend.  They didn't have to have it.  There was no dream house, nor exotic vacation location.  They didn't have to work, save, discriminate nor exploit others or themselves to attain.  Less  was considered more.  If a fire was coming , they weren't in conflict about what to take with them.

Our ancestors did not have to spend eight hours a day hunting and gathering food for their survival.  Their work week for survival was much less than the 40 hour week.  Their activities were varied, meaningful, with a variety of things to learn about, having sex and taking in the beauty of the outdoors.  Not only that, they ate nutritiously, with proper amounts of protein without carbs or worry about putting on weight.  They didn't die from heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and so forth.  Infections were a problem because they didn't have antibiotics. Ego needs met included: 1.  Play.  They could engage in fun without purpose and were able to laugh, make jokes, participate in games, sports, dancing, etc. 2.  Harmavoidance.  By their leisure activities ,they were generally able to avoid pain ,physical injury, illness and were able to take precautionary measures.  3.  Autonomy .They were able to avoid  activities prescribed by dominance of others and to be independent 4.  Affiliation. They were able to remain loyal and have friends.

Anthropological and biological research has studied the alpha male.  For example, chimpanzees have a dominant alpha male in which others submit.  The alpha male mitigates the violence between aggressiors, manages the concept of food  and can interfere with the mating of females. His position results  not because he is the most powerful, but because he has a lot of  mutual based coalitions in which they  spend time together, share food  and help one another in times of trouble.  It's like they are empathetic and know how to relate to one another with cooperation.  The Hunter gatherers. With their alpha male  interacted with smaller more manageable groups.  Ego needs like  Dominance (controlling human environment) ; Aggression (to attack and  kill another ) ;Autonomy (to resist coercion and restriction); Achievement (accomplish difficulty ,to suppress ,rule over  others and to excel ) are attributed to the alpha male.

 Suggesting diversity , barriers and conflict , our Neanderthal relatives had similar  ego needs fulfilled by their quest for survival.  In essence,  human history is a repetition compulsion . We repeat behavior over and over again. In  order to more fully understand our motivational behavior,  we can look to the past and view how our ancestors met with barriers, obstacles for their survival as well as our future . The Neanderthals do  provide some insight into the  motivational behavior of man. Of course we are unable to fully get into the minds of the Neanderthals for a more concrete understanding of their anxieties, beliefs, attitudes , irrationalities and prejudices.  The cliché "fly on the wall" would tell us more about our relatives.  

Testimonial

I recommend viewing Dr. Mark Hyman's  KVIE Public Television presentation "Eat Your Medicine: The Pegan Diet,"   Dr. Hyman is a functional medicine physician and in his presentation he talks about  fruits, veggies, nuts ,seeds, paleo ,exercise, stress reduction, and intermittent fasting for healthy longevity.

References

Harari ,Yuval Noah .  Sapiens  , A Brief History of Humankind.

Murray, Henry A.  Explorations in Personality.

Sapiens Repeat History

 An assistant professor of environmental studies program wrote an article titled "Extinction Panic Is Back, Right on Schedule"  In the January 28, 2024 edition of the New York Times . His last paragraph reads in part  "We are living in the very world that many in the 1920s already saw coming.  But we're also doing something they could not have predicted: surviving it.  At least for now. “  My response follows.

He acknowledged that we are in an age with the expectation of an apocalypse . We have issues with climate anxiety and  quoted an article called "The Morality of Having Kids in a Burning Drowning World"  B. We have public  health infrastructure problems  with worse  contagions to come. C. A.I  will soon threaten  humanity ,by  taking  jobs, D. Having an imminent population collapse as researchers are studying fertility and population decline .  Some call it a much bigger risk to civilization than  global warming. E.  Will the Ukraine and Middle East conflict trigger World War III with the use of nuclear weapons ?  The author adds that the human species could be  extinguished by our own selfishness . And , violence may well be the last bipartisan impulse .

The professor described the  extinction panic that occurred about a hundred years ago. The 1920’s was traumatized by a pandemic , a devastating world war and new technological developments.  Notable quotes about the doom , gloom and  the belief that we were headed for self-destruction  because of being hardwired were disseminated by  Winston Churchill , novelist H. G. Wells, biologist J. B. Haldane, F.C.Schiller, the British philosopher,  and the Czech playwright Karel  Capek .  Additionally, the 1925 Geneva protocol was signed. It was an  international agreement banning the use of chemical  weapons in combat.  These facts supported the author's contention that despite the near hysteria of the 1920’s,  we survived .

Is the evolution  of the Homo sapiens species , regarding extinction, consider the  following : 1. The human brain consists of  three parts.  The first is considered the Archaic or Reptilian brain which is  also found in lizards and snakes with the function of instinctual behavior like defending territory and keeping safe.  We can all agree that instinctual behavior is necessary in our survival . . However, more than Instinctual behavior is necessary for human survival .

The second part  of our brain , and more evolved,is referred to as the Old or the Mammalian brain as found in cats and dogs.  The functions of this "brain" include mood, memory, hormone production  and control of the limbic system.  The anterior cingulate is the structure primarily responsible for cognitive, emotional and attentional processing with the functions of the hippocampus for memory formation, spatial memory and navigation.  And the amygdala is primarily responsible for fear, fight or flight responses and anger.  Also, the hypothalamus is a major controlling organ of the autonomic/endocrine  system regulating temperature ,hunger , thirst, sexual arousal and the sleep-wake cycle. This part of the brain allows us more opportunities than the "Reptilian " brain for optimal functioning.  However, the emotional capacity, in the amygdala,  has not  significantly evolved and ,at times , contributes to  self defeating  irrational  interpersonal  amoral  motivational  survival behavior.

The third part of our  evolved brain is referred to as the New Brain located in the Cortex . Our human brain includes the functions of higher cognition.  abstract thought, use of tools, formation and comprehension of language and social behavior. This  section of our brain is the most complex object in the universe so far has allowed  us to have  created the most unimaginable technology with more to come. Perhaps,  biological or genetic engineering  technology might result with  unintended  consequences  being  related to the  darker side of man.. Man’ nature can be described as helplessness  with a  sexual propensity . Has a tremendous capacity for  learning , ego needs of  dependency,  aggression directed toward self and toward others as well as a preponderance of irrational and  amoral repetitive  behavior. 

On our planet, over the past millions of years , we've had several human species. Species are defined as being able to mate with each other , give birth to fertile offspring and share common DNA.  About 70,000 years ago ,species belonging to  Homo sapiens  arrived. For example ,there have been Homo rudolfensis, Homo erectus, Homo Neanderthal and others . For approximately the past 10,000 years , Homo sapiens have been premier and the only human species. What happened to all those earlier human species ? How did they  become  extinct ? And why should the extinction process end  ?

At one time, the Homo Neanderthals ruled.  They had exceptionally large brains and were able to hunt large predators such as mammoths, sabertooth tigers, etc. They were built stocky, strong, lived in caves and so forth.  They were not monogamous.  They didn't have one sexual mate, or even one sexual partner at a time.  In other words, the Neanderthals were tremendous hunters ,gatherers and polysexual beings . They  created wood tools, took what they wanted when they wanted it. 

There  also were alpha males to lead , control and direct .  Moreover, in thinking about our animal relatives, such as the chimpanzees, we find the dominant alpha male in their groupings in which other males and females submit.  The alpha male stops and controls violence between other aggressors, monopolizes special foods and deals with mating interferences.  He's in charge of the females.  This alpha male wins his position because he has a large and stable coalition in which they all spend time together, share food together, have mutual grooming and help one another in times of trouble. This sounds very familiar .

What happened to the strong aggressive sexually minded Neanderthals ?  How  and why did they become extinct?  Well, about 10,000 years ago Homo sapiens evolved .  The smaller brain weaker Homo sapiens conquered, destroyed and wiped out the competition for food etc.  The Homo sapiens were smarter  and formed larger groups.  

Did all the Neanderthals vanish by genocide?  I'm sure Homo sapiens contributed to the genocide of the Neanderthals.  On another note, roughly 1 to 4% of our unique human DNA  or self replicating material is a characteristic found in Neanderthal DNA.  In other words, we share , have borrowed and have  carried some genetic information from these primitives. 

Likely, our alpha aggression , difficulty with being monogamous and amorality  are built into the wiring in  our evolved brain . Psychologically, Jung wrote about  the collective unconscious . Jung suggested that all humans have an underlying experience in our mind . It’s latent memories of what our ancestors thought ,felt and behaved .  It's a collection of deposits of ancestral experiences that's located  and not visible in the unconscious.  In other words, we are born with predispositions to perceive, think, feel and react according to various  collected images , symbols or archetypes.  

According to Jung, we have images , memories of the great warrior; the  omnipotent , cruel and powerful  God, king ,emperor  ; the wise old man; the good nurturing loving mother; the bad, wicked, adulterous harlot female  and so forth.   Jung  wrote about a dark side that can become monstrous, dominant and evil .  Notably,  in  our  brain , there’s hard  wiring  with a propensity for impulsive, sadomasochistic, antisocial, emotional and evil  behavior  despite the more fully and well  developed executive functioning in the cerebral cortex. At times , the dark ,evil side of homo sapiens dominate . 

Historically, Homo sapiens are the prime rulers of this planet.  We've wiped out Neanderthals and are on our way to wiping out the Amur Leopard, Black Rhino, Bornean  Orangutan, Cross River Gorilla, Sumatran  Elephant and so many more on the endangered species list.  We have climate change disasters and have polluted our waters.  We've raped the earth of natural resources and have developed "state-of-the-art" weaponry.  Many in the world's population are anxious, fearful, and are turning to the "protection" of authoritarian rule.  Perhaps, it's time to arm ourselves like the evangelicals for the upcoming "Armageddon" as the nature of man is helpless, sexual , requiring, dependency for survival,  with tendencies for killing, hate, sadomasochism   and destruction . .Moreover, another threat to Homo sapien survival relates to  the future of  A. I. , genetic ,and/or biological engineering  technology with  repetitive compulsive , greedy self serving authoritarians.. 

PS

As the most dangerous , destructive and deadliest species in history ,  Homo Sapiens are associated with the extinction of 23 of 24 Australian animal species weighing hundred pounds or more; 90% of Australia's megafauna; and the majority of the local megafauna in New Zealand along with 60% of all bird species.  The American fauna was far richer than it is today . At one time it had mammoths, mastodons, rodents the size of bears ,herds of horses , camels ,oversized species like sabertooth cats  and,giant ground sloths. North America lost 34 of 47 of large mammals; South America lost 50 of 60;  and most of the large animals of Madagascar vanished according to paleontologists and zooarchaeologists with the arrival of Homo sapiens ..Is  it the "survival of the fittest" what Darwin meant  or man’s repetitive compulsive history ?

Reference

Harari ,Yuval Noah .  Sapiens  , A Brief History of Humankind.

Institute for Natural Resources.  Understanding Dementia.

Jung, Carl.  Psychology of the Unconscious.

Family

 

Last week, Linda and I drove to Phoenix, Arizona.  My first cousin Robert, a year older than me, was laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery.  Dr. Bob was a psy chiatrist and  attained a rank of  Lieut. Colonel in the United States Air Force.  He earned a nine gun salute. Our flag covered  his casket and  then was handed to his son Lee.  Lee wore Roberts flight jacket to his burial.  

Robert was the oldest son of aunt Lillian  and uncle. Harry.  Aunt Lillian was mom's younger sister.  Robert's siblings were Richard, followed by Shelly.  Robert's first home was on Bedford Avenue located on the eastside of Detroit.  The family  then moved to Northlawn Ave. located on the west side of Detroit.  Robert attended Mumford high school , became a practicing physician and later pursued a residency in psychiatry.  He married Harriet and she gave birth to Lee .  Lee  lost his mother when he was 13 years of age.

Robert entered the Air Force and spent  time in aerospace medicine at Edwards Air Force Base.  After a time, Robert married Janice and they had their wedding in Branson , Missouri.  After leaving active duty  military service, Robert was employed by the state prison system in Texas.  Janice  passed and Robert remained in Texas until his health became problematic.  Roughly 3 to 4 years ago, Robert moved to Arizona to be cared for by Lee and his wife Grace.  Lee and  Grace have one son named Harrison.. At the end, Robert told Lee not to keep him alive. Robert was hooked up to a breathing device and had difficulty talking.  Lee acknowledged Robert's wishes, and they  sadly said their tearful goodbyes.

Lee's business card reads Owner Healthcare Consulting.  Lee operates a legal marijuana business .  He told me that he learned the art of growing marijuana from Willie Nelson's right hand man.  He doesn't advertise and his high-end clientele is based on word-of-mouth.

Linda and I stayed in their Casita that ‘s  next to their home in a large courtyard.  There, we met Ken, Lee's childhood friend from the fifth grade.  Ken graduated from the University of Michigan as a civil engineer.  He joined the Marines and became a helicopter pilot.  Ken enlightened me regarding the military.  He is a mountain climber waiting for treatment for his knee from the VA.  Unfortunately, his treatment by the VA has been negligent.

On the day of the funeral, Lee drove us to the National Memorial Cemetery for the barrial . The military service was brief and that was followed by a rabbi’s prayer.  The event was filmed for  relatives unable to attend.  That evening ,we set Shiva at Lee and Grace’s  home .  Sitting Shiva is a memorial service with prayers as in Mourners  Kaddish .  There, Linda and I had the chance to interact with Grace's parents, Lee's aunt Joy and uncle Jack and some of their friends.

Linda and I have spent more time with Richard and his wife Judy and Shelly and Avi than with Robert ,Lee, Harriet and Janice.  Shelly and my sister Beverly facilitated  a number of family reunions back in Michigan.  We had braunch, dinners, and attended  football games with our cousins and their children.  Robert and Janice attended one of the reunions.  

One delightful memory from my past was watching boxing , in their  Nortlawn den, on Friday evenings . Uncle Harry was into boxing and reenacted some of the fighting.  Uncle Harry owned the Whittier movie theater located near the Belle Isle bridge.  We would see a double feature and cartoon usually on a Saturday.  Uncle Harry  provided us with a large cardboard box filled with popcorn.  After the movie, we visited Saunders for a hot fudge sundae .  Those were the days.  

On Wednesday, Linda and I headed home for our 813 mile road . trip.  Going west on Interstate 10, we approached Palm Desert and Palm Springs.  We were on the phone with Bev and I mentioned to her that Jack and Joan  Sholl lived in Palm Desert.  Jack was Chapter 14 of  “It Has Nothing To Do With Age “ and  titled Jack Sholl  Patriot ,Rower , Gentlemen Unparalleled.  Jack passed away a number of years ago at age 85 and I didn't know if Joan was still there . I also mentioned to Bev that our 14949 Evanston Avenue ,in Detroit , neighbor Frank lived in Palm Springs as well.  Frank’s younger brother Hank passed away many years ago and his older brother John  recently passed . Other memories got triggered. like my good buddy  and 100 mile  Ride & Tie Jonathan Jordan partner  and  one dearest psychologist  buddy Denny who also passed.

On our way to Phoenix, we called cousin Sheldon .  Dr. Shell was married to my cousin Sybil. Aunt Sophie  was also  moms younger sister .  Sybil, age 85 ,recently passed .  Shell  was  not feeling well and discouraged with his  assisted living situation.  He told me not to go into any facility and dying in your own home is best.  We also called him on a return, and he was feeling a little bit better but was ready to go. Shell is 88.

Linda and I stopped at the Harris Ranch for barbecue and for dessert we had a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Chocolate  Factory. 

With life,  there is a  plus - minus ratio of  past, present and.future . In death there is  a negative ratio of  sadness, loss, grief and aloneness.accompanied by  emotional and physical  pain,This becomes  a negative expectation of future  with an insurmountable  barrier of despair and therefore succumbing to the end. Einstein stated, "I want to go when I want.  It is tasteless to prolong life artificially.  I have done my share; it is time to go.  I will do it elegantly

PS

On my father's side, all our first cousins:  Sammy, Gloria, Sherman, David, Sis, Raymond and Martin are deceased . Sherman was  aunt Eva and uncle Abe’s only child.  They lived nearby in Chicago and visited often.  Sherman was about 10 years older than me and was my  model. mentor and advisor. Introduced me to such things as  intellectual encounters, fine restaurants, Second City and the Baha'i faith.  Sherman married Lorraine and had Roger Kevin, Linda and Diane.  Their family eventually moved to Southern California.  In fact, when the Raiders moved to Southern California, Sherman and I attended  a Denver Bronco -Raiders game.  I still miss him and Lorraine as well . On my mother's side, remaining first cousins include Stuart ,Jeff, Millie ,Jerry ,Roger and Stephen.