Well, I really didn't know there was such a word as inelegant, but I was the perfect example last night. I was awfully inelegant.
I was out at a meeting and came home shortly after nine. Of course, at that time it was very dark. I have a security light on the front of my house so parking was fine. I walked to the back and found that the kitchen light that's usually on was off. It was pitch black. First of all you know that old guys like me don't see too well...especially in the dark. Secondly our balance isn't the greatest anymore.
I got up the walk and the three steps to the back door and then my problem started. I was in the top step and balance became an issue .I didn't have much room to maneuver. So the way to get my balance was to step backward. That meant I was gong down stairs backwards. I'm not too good at going down stairs backwards at the best of times.
I made it down the three steps but when I hit the sidewalk my speed had picked up. Now I don't walk backwards very well so I tripped going backwards. I lurched against the brick wall of the house and sort of bounced. I hit the sidewalk on my butt and did a bit of a roll. fortunately I didn't hit my head. It was all in slow motion. I wonder why I couldn't have recovered at some point. My cap went flying. My meeting papers went on their own little flight. My pen disappeared. I did hang onto my keys. I had to unlock the door.
I remember saying one very bad word and then I did what I always do when I fall...get up quickly before anybody sees me.
Needless to say , the whole thing was very awkward and yes inelegant...totally lacking in grace.
I got in the house and turned on the lights and went back out to retrieve my belongings.
I ripped my jacket sleeve and have a bruise on my left big butt. Other than being a little stiff I survived.
It really makes one think seriously about falls when you're a senior.
