Today, I realized something. This August, I’ll be halfway through my 70s. I used to think that would feel old, but now I think I’m just … ‘well-seasoned’.
Physically, I feel no different than in my 60s, on a good day, my 50s. Where I do feel a difference —a big difference, is mentally. I just can’t seem to wrap my head around aging. Inside, I feel young like I always did, so I guess outside must be where I’m a senior.
I don’t know if you had this at your high school graduation, but we did. Our graduation in 1967 was held in our high school auditorium/gym. As I went in to find my seat the day of the ceremony, I noticed there were several rows of really old people already seated there.
As the ceremony began, our principal introduced our elderly guests as the Graduating Class of 1917. They were in town to celebrate their 50th class reunion. I remember thinking, “Oh my God, they’ve been out of high school for fifty years. No wonder they all look … so ancient.
We had our 50th reunion back in 2017. I know we didn’t look as old as those people in the last two rows at our graduation … or … did we?
Yesterday, I got an email from our class president and our 60th reunion is just around the corner. The planning committee is looking for volunteers so they can start planning early: a band to hire, restaurants and motels to work out group rates with, daytime activities to be decided on and several mailings.
I said, “Wait! I’m still reeling mentally. I just can’t seem to wrap my head around this aging thing.”
I don’t feel older, yet I am. Those folks in 1967 couldn’t have been more than 68, or so, and yet they looked … ancient. Our 60th is almost here? That should tell me something. Do I look ancient, too?
It’s hard for me to tell how old I look. When I look in a mirror, there’s an older lady in there and she won’t ever move over so I can see myself …