At 70

When I was a kid, I often volunteered my age or grade in school. A particular age or grade was a badge of honor or position of celebrity. Grade school gave way to high school and each one of those four years increased prominence. Age became a marker along the way to measure independence and self-reliance. One learned early that a particular age signaled privilege: later bedtimes, watching particular television shows, or going to the movies at night. We became aware that as one accumulated years, gratuity increased on birthdays, holidays and special occasions. During adolescence, coins were replaced with denominations of folding money. As one's personal list of wants and needs increased, items were prioritized according to available funds and social pressure. Spending conflicted with saving: immediate versus deferred gratification.

Various milestones validated one's accomplishments or achievements: work permit, Social Security Card, driver's license, bank account, part-time job, tax return, and a sundry of associated responsibilities. Shopping for clothes transitioned from going with Mon to shopping with friends or by oneself. Decisions went from parental mandate to personal choice. Constant adult supervision eased into relaxed overseer and ebbed until individual sovereignty was bestowed.

Growing up, we knew that someone would always be there to set boundaries and borders; someone available to keep us safe, guide, counsel, advice and support. Mostly family at first, but with each orbit around the sun, others would assume roles to help with life's journey: teachers, clergy, classmates, peers, co-workers, friends, acquaintances and, occasionally strangers. Bits and pieces of human interaction, tidbits and parcels of wisdom about life-learned lessons were dispensed at random for acceptance or rejection.

We crossed thresholds, met challenges, succeeded, failed, stumbled, struggled, achieved, and continually added to the depth and expansion of our intelligence and intellect. Teen years gave way to "becoming legal," the magic age of twenty-one. Stark evidence for males included the Selective Service Draft Card, proof of auto insurance, and an Operator's License kept in one's wallet. Somehow we survived the hurdle of turning sixteen, arguing for grown-up privileges. By nineteen. there was a car to drive and pay for with your name on the title. With graduation came post-high school choices: military service, college, factory or office work; stay home or live on your own. Relationships began to solidify and lifelong friends and new acquaintances join your journey and share adventures. A number of childhood friends disconnect and move on with their life. Re-connection will be limited to reunions, correspondence and occasional random meeting here and there. Affairs of the heart capture and consume your emotions causing pronouns "I" "mine" "me" to be replaced with "us" "ours" and "we." At the speed of life, the twenties fly by. The thirties seem to rocket along and that once solitary traveler now has a family and responsibilities that grow exponentially.

In the midst of the "prime of life," hours and days are consumed with work, family, obligations, duties, commitments, and promises that must be kept. There is struggle to enjoy Heaven's sunshine, stars, moonlight and rainbows. Even though we are in the "driver's seat," many things are out of our hands. Countless hours are spent worrying about things we cannot control. The accompanying anxiety, stress and emotional turmoil take a toll on mind, body, and spirit. Health and well-being are added to primary concerns.

Unexpectedly, medical abbreviations, maladies and terms assume significance shortly after one turns forty. Blood Pressure, cholesterol, Lipid profile and all enzymes in between are now topics for discussion during scheduled health checkups. Favorite foods are diet restricted. Salt, sugar, carbohydrates and calories are viewed as adversaries. Fats and grams are closely scrutinized as precaution against obesity, and diabetes. Bifocals are recommended after an annual eye exam. We become aware of limitations and changes that affect one's lifestyle. During youthful years, the candle burns at both ends; after forty, night-lights illuminate the way.

At fifty we are accustomed to yearly diagnostic tests; while at home, we become more comfortable watching others do what we used to do. Couches, recliners, TV remotes, and an ample supply of comfort food become favorite companions. We enjoy more completely, simple pleasures heretofore discounted as unimportant or wimpy. At sixty, we gear down obligation and gear up relaxation. Occasional naps and early bedtime are welcomed like dear friends. When retirement is offered, it's accepted with a smile bright enough to ripen bananas. At seventy we're content with ourselves. Competition takes a back seat to enjoyment, reverie, remembrance, and a do-as-you-please mind set of easy peaceful feelings. Flexible scheduling is readily adopted. Every day is a welcomed gift. The challenge is to stay well and enjoy Heaven's blessing: so many moments, so many memories; treasure the moments, savor the memories. The adventure continues. The best is yet to come!