Tomorrow--June 18th--I am to turn 70 years old. Since 30 sounded old when I was 23, you might imagine how old I thought 70 was way back then! But it's sorta weird in a good-weird sorta way, that age seems to somehow grow on us with time.
I feel certain that my 70 isn't nearly as old as my grandparent's 70s. I mean, mines much younger in feel, in attitude, and in....well, in most everything. I do recall a gradual moving of my expectation factor when playing baseball in the Cardinal camps. Beginning at age 36 and finishing at age 69, there was a trending away from actually catching the ball to feeling joyful that I could at least see the ball coming....and watching it go by.
Seeing had become key. Who needs reflexes anyway?
Admittedly, 70 does sound old.
My agility has somewhat crystallized. I never saw the day coming when I would need to sit down so that I could think on my feet. And hey, young people, you know that country sound along the creek banks on a summer's night where you get to hear the humming of the locusts and grinding of the crickets? Well, about age 60 or so, God implants both of those sounds directly inside of your ears and you get to enjoy a summer evening out all day long...everyday...all year long...really.
Regarding driving a car, I've noted that some people just don't respect my sudden change of lanes. And green lights? Yellow? I've upgraded. They are now the same to me sorta like slow down or stop. Slow down works just as well and, frankly, saves a lot of time at intersections. And, being the considerate man that I still am, my moving on through in yellow/reddish simply allows the lady behind me a sooner turn. Just call me thoughtful.
One more thing. I've noticed that as we age, others around us seem to become more confused. They have incredible imaginations remarking that I already told them certain things...several times already. They are obviously confused....yet I do a nice job of rolling with their absurd suggestions. They can't help it.
So for now, 78 sure does sound old to me! Yep, that's most likely the actual and true over-the-hill number! Right now I 'm merely entering the youth group of old age.
2 comments:
Hi, Terry:)
Enjoyed this post immensely, as I often do with your musings. You have a comfortable and humorous style of writing, of which I am very jealous.
Of course, you're a year older, so I guess you'll always be one of those "Damned Upperclassmen" to me:).
John
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