I did not realize what a luxury it was to be responsible for only my own healthcare and maintenance in my twenties.

I took it for granted back then. I had no idea what it was going to be like to be responsible for the healthcare and maintenance of two other whole human beings.

I try to get all of the annual stuff for the kids done in January. Every year. And every year I fail. I have to reschedule due to illness. Or the doctor doesn’t work on the days that we are available so then I have to slip an appointment in on a no school day.

It’s fine. It’s nearing the end of February and I still have an outstanding optometrist appointment for one kid. But it’s fine.

And then there is the dentist twice a year.

And the covid and flu shots every fall, which always feels like a massive undertaking.

And by the time the kids are out of the house and making their own optometry appointments I’ll be old and falling apart and will spend all my time either at the doctor’s office or waiting in line at the pharmacy. And nothing makes a person want to die more than waiting in line at the pharmacy.

I wish I had better enjoyed the freedom of being a healthy twenty-something back when I could.

Older people: what should I not be taking for granted right now in my forties?