Hilarie: Life’s a slippery slope so enjoy the sledging!

Jan 16 2010 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“How many sledges do you want?” asked the check-out girl. “Five” said The Man, without blinking.

“Five!!” chorused the rest of us.

“Why do we need five – we’ve already got one and there are only four of us.”

But, to him, the panic-buying of sledges made perfect sense following a shortage. If only local councils felt the same way about grit. However, we whittled it down to four which meant we had one each and one spare.

Over the years I’ve come to realise that The Man’s reluctance to let go of what some might think of as childish pursuits is what is most endearing about him. It also makes him the sort of parent who plays endlessly with his children which keeps him young.

Family holidays over the years have been action-packed adventures. The Man does not rest easily on a sunbed when there are rock pools to be inspected, castles to be built, coves to snorkel, canyons to slide down or mountains to climb. Even at home we’re the sort of family that is on the go most of the time. If we’re not playing outdoor table tennis in our gloves and overcoats, we’re thrashing away at Guitar Hero. And, I have to say, that without the MIC I doubt I’d be quite so active. He keeps me young.

As a species, human beings are naturally playful and inquisitive. It’s how we learn. The people who retain these qualities into old age are the ones of whom we say; “They’re wonderful for their age, aren’t they?”

Every Monday morning I play tennis with a group of women of various ages. Our oldest player recently celebrated her 80th birthday. She has her share of aches and pains and health problems associated with age, but as I’ve got to know her I’ve realised that her ‘have-a-go’ outlook and overwhelming curiosity about life mean she is 80 years young and not old at all.

And so, when The Man has thrown away his painkillers I’ll not be saying: “Do you think that’s a good idea?” when he sets off with his sledge tucked under one arm. I’ll be joining him.