Say What? is a lighthearted story about hearing mishaps, aging, and family moments—blending humor with gratitude. This is written by Linda Jinkens of Snohomish County and is published in the Spring/Summer 2026 Edition of Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide Magazine.
When “ID” Isn’t “ID”
I was at my regular checkup at the clinic, and the young assistant walked in. We had a few friendly comments, and then she said, “I need to see your ID.”
I must have looked blank. I think my mouth dropped open. “ID? You’ve never had to check my ID before!”
Since I am a person with no patience, even in my later years, I know I sounded hot and bothered in a matter of seconds.
She shot back, “No, I didn’t say ID! I said, ‘your BP!’ Your blood pressure! Hold out your arm.” I obeyed meekly, chastened.
The Carburetor That Wasn’t
Later, my husband, Ron, and I drove into a gas station, and I waited in the car while he went to the pump. He soon climbed back into the car and said, “The carburetor is not working.”
I said, alarmed, “What? The carburetor is not working? How did we manage to drive around this far?”
Ron looked at me and said, “No, I said the CARD READER is not working!” He sounded a bit disgusted.
I said, “Oh, well, you don’t have to yell, you know.”
He said, “Look, you need hearing aids. I have hearing aids. You need hearing aids.”
I said, as usual, “I’m OK. I can hear just fine!”
My thoughts have been, “who wants to look like an old lady, even if I am an old lady?”
Pies or Tithe?
But then, recently, we were at church, and he said, “Did you bring the pies?”
I said, “What? We were supposed to bring pies? I didn’t know we were having a potluck!” I went into a panic.
He said, “No, I didn’t say PIES. I said, “the TITHE, the TITHE for church!”
“Calm down,” I said. “You don’t have to yell, you know.”
Fireworks, Freedom, and Memories
But one thing I won’t worry about hearing is the fireworks in our area during special times of the year. We live in the woods out of town. July 4th is always a big one. Our neighbors always set off amazing displays. I don’t have problems hearing and seeing the colorful lights in the sky. No, it looks and sounds like a regular extravaganza going on.
This year will be a special celebration, of course, with 250 years of looking back at our country’s history. I’m thinking back to the 1950s when we elementary kids read about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and color crayoned mimeographed packets with their pictures. We neatly printed reports about these great presidents. It’s so far back now that I almost think of those times in black and white.
A Lifetime of Service and Pride
I’m grateful for my grandfather’s service defending the country in World War I and my dad’s service in World War II. They lived in perilous times.
I’m proud of my parents living through the Depression years. I’ve been told about dandelion soup, saving everything to recycle, and being frugal.
I’m proud my husband served in Vietnam and made it home alive.
I’m proud our son serves as a lawyer in the Army Corps and helps with environmental litigation.
Finding Purpose at Any Age
I’m happy there are so many opportunities to serve others in this country. Even older people, like us, can find ways to be useful and brighten the lives of our fellow citizens. I delight reading about folks in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s trying something new and contributing to society.
I’m looking forward to the July 4th parade in our small town, which will include a lot of kids in the community.
Scrabble, Scotch Tape… or Scratch Paper?
The other day, Ron and I sat down to play a game of Scrabble. He said, “Can you bring Scotch tape?”
I said, “What for? Why do we need Scotch tape to play Scrabble?”
Ron raised his voice. “No! I said SCRATCH PAPER! SCRATCH PAPER! Not Scotch tape! We have a problem with communication!”
I said, “Look, you don’t have to yell, you know.” A few minutes later, I said, “I am getting the audiology appointment, OK?”
He sighed, looking relieved. “Good.”
But I will wait until after July 4th, which I can hear just fine, and then hope the little gadgets in my ears do the trick.
Linda Jinkens is a freelance writer and a former high school teacher. She enjoys baking bread, playing the piano, and her seven grandchildren. She lives in Arlington, Washington
