I’ve sensed for some time that I should be using a cane from time to time. I don’t need one always, but I am often wearing a surgical boot as we wait for my new orthotic brace for my left foot. The boot throws me off balance, and men my age sometimes are off balance anyway. I resisted getting a cane, to me, it was a red-line metaphor for aging.
I’m pretty young in my head, and a cane seemed (wrongly) like a surrender to reality.
I bought an inexpensive retractable one, but it was too thin and flimsy.
Then it hit me. I’d love to have a wolf/werewolf cane. I’d be happy to walk around with one of those, although I’m not sure I really want to know why. Maybe it was the Lon Chaney movies, which I loved; maybe it’s because the wolf is a symbol of power and the werewolf is a symbol of the schizophrenic lives we often live in modern times.
The werewolf is one of the great myths, the human being torn between nature and normalcy, between good and evil. The werewolf is horrified by the killing he does; he tries everything to be locked up on the full moon. But he can’t escape it; it is his nature to hunt and kill on a full moon.
In any case, I ordered a cane with the wolf’s head on it. I have no hesitations about walking around with it; it is the right symbol for me, a neat way to be old and feel good about it.
Nice cane. You might be interested in reading the “Beast of Bray Road” by Linda S. Godfrey. She recently passed away, but the werewolf sightings still make Wisconsin newspapers.
Hey Jon…what a brilliant idea ! If we need some assistance as we grow older (gracefully) why not make those tools (readers, canes…etc) fun / interesting ! I have many ‘cheaters/readers that I buy on-line…4 colorful pairs for $10. Match them to my mood / outfit! Now with this beautiful werewolf / wolf cane you have sparked an idea for even more ways to express ourselves !! Good on ya!
Don’t worry about using a cane. My husband bought one a few years ago, and he says it’s the best thing he’s ever done. People are nicer to him, hold the doors for him, etc. I always tease him that if anyone annoys him, he can smack them with his cane. I don’t think he would ever do that, though. Good luck.
You might also consider getting a Walkingstick, which allows you to maintain an upright stance as opposed to leaning over a cane.
I have six of them, thanks for the thought..
Jon…
I bought a cane last fall. Together with my compression bandages and sleeves, it was an excellent purchase for my ailing leg. I use it about everywhere, although I’m still limited in the distances I can walk. My wife got one also.
Warren Zevon song for you. https://youtu.be/qae25976UgA
Warren Zevon https://youtu.be/qae25976UgA
Jon, that’s a nice cane. A friend gave me a nice wood walking stick she bought at Ollie’s for on ten dollars. It’s great for walking and, of course, for my balance.
This makes me think of my latest purchase. I just moved into a new apartment on the 12th floor in the wonderful little city of Lockport, NY, on the Erie Canal. I’ve seen all the elderly people with their shopping carts as there’s stores nearby within walking distance. I realized all I had was shopping bags. So, I succumbed to the “little old lady dragging a shopping cart” thing. I’m only 62, feel 30. It was a necessity. I don’t feel old, don’t look old and don’t want to be classified as old. I love the cane. Its a great talking point. Love wolves. Love your blog.
Thank you