You know? I was pretty black and white about my health for much of my life. Like "I hope I die before I get old" sort of black and white.

Well, I didn't. Die before I got old. I now have a much different appreciation about 'suffering' and how much is acceptable in the course of life. Just sayin'

I understand completely about independence. When I ride my motorcycle I am always helmeted with armored pants, jacket and gloves. I get asked why I wear all that shit fairly often. My answer? "I just want to be able to have a chance to wipe my own ass after I fall down." Notice I didn't say 'if I fall down'. It's been 40 years since I've been down on pavement, I'm probably about due.