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.
