And I Thought 50 Was Bad!
Shortly after my 50th birthday, it arrived! Like others before me—some still recovering from their big 5-0 celebrations—I got the invitation to join the AARP. For you youngsters, AARP stands for American Association of Retired Persons. Boy…did I feel old when this envelope arrived! I already knew that I had entered middle age, but, really, was I supposed to retire from life now? Was I really that old?
After a few days of mild depression, I threw out the AARP application and proceeded with my busy life. I had three children—ages 11, 13 and 15—to raise to adulthood. This would take me another 10 years or so. I didn’t have time to give in to any feelings of old age. Besides, I was on the verge of publishing my first book, by Doubleday, no less. I had to get ready for my television appearances and book signings. I was hardly a “retired” person.
Then I learned that being a member of AARP does have its benefits. It enables me to get better rates on hotel rooms and car rentals. So I joined. Also, being age 50 and above isn’t all bad. My advancing years have meant lower car insurance rates and “senior” prices at some movie theaters, restaurants and retail stores. This has been good!
With time and “benefits,” I have gained comfortable acceptance that I’m not as young as I used to be. But, and this helps, I know that I’m an even better woman that I was even five years ago. Each year I acquire more wisdom combined with greater street smarts. In addition, my self esteem rises with each passing year. I like the woman I am now…or at least I did until a few weeks ago.
Armed with such legal papers as my birth certificate, marriage license and social security card, I walked into a small US government office. On the building outside were the words “Social Security Administration.” I was there to file for my SS benefits! Social Security benefits…no way! I was turning 62 years of age and “yes” I was eligible to receiving a monthly check. Only old people—and others who are permanently disabled—collect Social Security benefits. How did I get this old! It just can’t be!
It was a beautiful sunshine-filled fall day with a fresh coolness in the air and a brilliant blue sky above, but I didn’t notice these gifts as I left this office. As I sunk into my car seat, my spirits plummeted. Now…I really was depressed about my age. I felt so old not only on the drive home that day, but for a week after my “sign up” meeting. There was no way of getting around it. I was old!
Luckily, my depression didn’t last long. I learned in these last 10-plus years—after the shock of the AARP invitation—that years marked by the calendar aren’t as important as good health, enthusiasm for life, and keeping a young attitude. I have been blessed by all three, as well as a wealth of other gifts. Why should I spend time worrying about how many years have passed? I, instead, decided to concentrate on all the good things I have yet to experience.
Life, I have learned, is meant to be lived to the fullest each and every day. Each day, each month, each year offers new opportunities; new potential for growth. Life doesn’t stop on a particular birthday. This is why there are so many cards wishing the birthday celebrant “good things in the coming year.” I am ready for those good things! I am ready for tomorrow!