Why Being Old Will Be Awesome

So many of my friends worry about aging.  The sneaky grey hairs, the subtle wrinkles and the sagging bits cause frowns and muttered predictions of doom.  I have them myself, and I agree that I liked my face better 20 years ago.

There are good things about aging, however, despite all the aching joints.  The more you wrinkle the more you become a VIS (Very Important Senior).  Don’t believe me?  Here’s my proof:

Yesterday afternoon I had to drop some things off at the Post Office.  This close to Christmas the line wound down the lobby and nearly out the door.  Everyone stood waiting with looks of patient resignation etched across our faces.  We all had jobs to get back to, kids to pick up from school, more errands to run.  Everyone is always in a hurry, including me.

In walks a sweet old woman.  Her eyes swept up and down the long line, and then she matter of factly marched her way past all of us to the front where she stood next to a busy cashier, waiting with a sweet smile.

The cashier looked up at her, then at the line and back again.  “You have to go to the end of the line ma’am.”  The old lady smiled even sweeter and replied, “Oh no, dear.  I just need stamps.”  The cashier blinked uncertainly and looked nervously at her lined up audience.

“All these people have been waiting.  I can’t just serve you before them.  If you step to the back of the line I can help you when it’s your turn.”  The old woman smiled brightly and said louder, “I just need some stamps for my Christmas cards. ”

“You have to wait at the back of the line even if you just need stamps.” The cashier told her, also increasing her volume.  The old woman nodded happily.  “Yes, just some stamps will do it.”  The cashier gave up and sold her some stamps.  The old woman paid her, happily chattering about stamp prices and her large card list.  When she took her stamps she turned and looked at the line of people waiting.  “Merry Christmas!” she chirped and she left.  Everyone in the line smiled back at her.

Only the elderly could have gotten away with that.  If I had gone up there and played the oblivious innocent, I’m sure the long waiting line would have turned into an angry mob and I’d have gotten booted from the Post Office altogether.

Hence why I don’t mourn my bits of grey and subtle wrinkles.  Soon these will be my ticket to preferential treatment everywhere.  Yes, my joints will crack and my feet will hurt.  I will be earning my privileges.  White hair, wrinkles and a sweet smile are cause for celebration.  They signify wisdom, endurance and no more standing in long Post Office lines.  I figure I’m going to get them anyways (if I’m lucky), I may as well enjoy them for what they’re worth.

Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

~  Jack Benny