Lida is my cousin's grandmother. Born in Uzbekistan, she now lives in Lithuania, a country that was once part of the USSR. Since then, much has changed. I visit her once a year and constantly study her face.
At 86, 87, 88 years old, Lida rushes from the apartment with a freshly pressed blouse, a brooch or beads, and a drop of perfume. Always energetic and lively, she wears a smile; for her, melancholy is a sin. Lida has a steely character, forged by a long and difficult life; she’s not one to pity herself or complain. Her sharp vision, clear mind, and sense of humor—sometimes a dark one—never falter.
When I visit, we immediately plan all our days, or rather Lida plans, as she is the commander. She always knows what she wants but approaches things strategically. And off we go to visit memorable places, and I listen to the stories associated with them once again, and it's still interesting. Below Lida's window is a daycare. In the summer, children's screams always reach her. When the children are picked up in the evening, Lida sits on the windowsill with her back to the open window and sunbathes.
At 89 years old: Lida's son passed away. Now it is "Nabokovian physical nonsense." For the first time, I see uncontrollable tears and complete indifference. Lida became twice as thin, more transparent. Her body suddenly grew tired and stopped obeying. Now, going anywhere becomes a feat. Now it's not about running, but about walking. And melancholy is a sin, and "why live so long is unclear, but if God gave it, I live."
How does it feel to be 72?
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
I retired because my husband is a former military man and he received a good pension. And we had enough for a simple and modest life; we didn’t need much. We have always lived frugally, did not spend too much, and did not travel. My life was very difficult, as a child we starved, relatives and friends died from illness and hunger, we wandered a lot. I had to go through and endure a lot, and there was no time to rest. Retirement simply allows you to make up for lost peace.
What do you look forward to?
What is your biggest concern?
Life expectancy 2023
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