Age makes the heart hurt.

And i don't mean just in a physical sense, although we all know that it can be usual in old age.
My nan celebrated her 77th birthday today.
On most accounts she is as fit as a fiddle, but as each year goes by I'm starting to notice subtle changes.
Now, i work in a nursing home for the elderly, I Started off in the kitchen, but quickly developed an interest in the caring side. So some months ago i followed my heart and took on a care assistants job. I am fully aware of the reputation that some carers, and the care homes them selves can carry, but honestly I'm part of one of the good ones. I see everyday how age affects our most vulnerable part of the population, but when its creeping up on your own flesh and blood, it cuts that little bit deeper... in my opinion anyway!
Every year her eye sight gets that little bit worse, becoming more apparent when i receive cards off her, and find it a little harder to read her hand writing. Of course i keep these facts to myself, as i very much doubt she needs me to point it out to her. She used to teach me how to sow, knit and cross stitch, and continued to help me over many, many years ( as i was never much good at it!), but now its me who helps her.
Seeing my once energetic, lively nan bounding around the place, running rings round those many years younger than herself, starting to slow right down, is why age makes my heart hurt.
Seeing a small knock or graze turn her limbs black and blue, having to repeat words and phrases a number of times until she hears me, hearing her gentle bones creek and crack, more reasons why age makes my heart hurt. But I'm thankful, thankful that i still have my nan in my life, and i think she will continue to run circles round me for a few more years to come!