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I f it weren’t for being afraid of looking completely silly, I would be giving myself a high five in the mirror. Oh wait...I’m alone, so no one will see my Old Gal foolish- ness. BRB (that’s be right back for those of you without teenage grandchildren)! OK, breathing deep cleansing breaths. Feeling much better now that I did my little limp all the way to the near- est mirror to congratulate myself. Oh yes, I did the whole high five thing. Why? Because I absolutely deserve one and I’m thinking you might too. Go ahead. I’ll wait...... There, we do feel better now, don’t we? Just making a mental note to windex that mirror with the handprint! What is all the excitement about, you ask? Why, I just got back from picking up my online order at Wally World. Wait-there’s more....I unloaded it and put it all up in the pantry. You may join me in applauding now!!! Such a small feat to accomplish, most of you in great health might think-but for me, after two back surgeries, foot drop surgery and three count them, three heart stents, I’m totally proud of myself. I’m quite sure that you also have done something equally noteworthy, therefore justifying your own Singu- lar Senior Citizen high five! Let me continue by introducing myself and tell you a lit- tle about my strengths. We should do the right thing and downplay all those silly health weaknesses. My name is Jamie, I’m a Senior Citizen and at 62, am a very young minded and active widow. (Sounds like an AA intro, but I will continue down this Senior Slippery slope!) Health wise-as far as stats, I may not be the strongest in the group, but as far as tenacity, self perse- verance, intellect, drive and determination I can truly hang with the best of them. Four years ago, being the best advocate possible for Dad and then my husband kept me quite busy. Staying on top of scheduling, medications, surgeries and treat- ments for two men with very different but declining health issues made every day a challenge. Daddy passed first and then my husband just a few short months later. It’s taken almost two years since their passing for me to re- alize the importance of my role during that time. Such a blessing to help give dignity and comfort to their last days. Even more special that they passed away peace- fully in my Pearl River County home. Grateful forever for the help of two very special and amazing Hospice nurses, Peyton and Amy and my amazing family. All of that brings me to now, a time where the reality is having to navigate a world with considerable challenges, at my age and especially singularly or alone, compiled with the worries of a Pandemic. This girl has not ever let obstacles stand in the way. The saying “When the going gets tough.....the tough get going” does not apply to Senior Citizens with health is- sues in the middle of COVID, or does it???? Or maybe, just maybe it’s even more applicable to all of us than ever before? 22 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 High Five For Singular Seniors By: Jamie McDonald