Age perception is a funny thing.  When you were 40 years old and your parent turned 60 they seemed so ancient.  In two weeks my husband hits the big 6-0 and he is certainly not ancient.

When I was 35 my baby brother passed away at 32.  Of course he seemed very young to die, but recently my family lost my cousin, also 32 and she seems like a child to me now that I am 58.  Gone way to soon.

I was thinking the other day about my teachers in grade school.  When I was a kid I had some great teachers, but of course they all seemed old to me.  I was a kid.  They were grownups.  When you are little grownups all seem old.

Age perception is a funny thing. As we mature we look at age so differently.  I have never been afraid to grow old, but I certainly make a constant effort to keep my body in condition and be as healthy as I can.  Because at this time in my life I am acutely aware of people my age and younger who are passing away – some after a long illness while others very suddenly.

Today I look at my parents in their 80’s and am thankful they are still here, and hope they have a lot of years left.  I think about celebrating their fiftieth birthdays and it seems like yesterday.

Age perception is a funny thing.  Maturity definitely sheds a different light on life, age and longevity.  But we live and learn don’t we?  And I’d rather be growing old than not at all.

No regrets.