Age Is More Than a Number

I used to work for a man, a man who served two tours of duty in Vietnam, whose favorite expression was "age is only a number".  I haven't been in touch with him in over 15 years, but I knew he had gone into business for himself - actually, less than a mile from where I live.

I went to his website the other day, and saw that he is still active in the business (he's older than I am).  The motto of his business impressed me: Loyalty/Integrity/Compassion.

Aging really is more than a number.  It is a sum of experience - good times, bad times, happiness, grief, and more.  These accumulate in you as you age, and make you the person you are, for better or worse.

Some people grow bitter as they age.  Others gain in - yes, compassion.

The other day, I read a blog post about the Beatles, growing up, and a long lost friend.

It made me think, as I sit here and watch snow starting to come down.  I'm 64 years old but not for much longer.

I love the Beatles song "When I'm Sixty-Four".  It's said that Paul McCartney wrote this song, one of his first, when he was 16 years old (but I can't verify that).  It talks of a man wanting to grow old with his love.  Unfortunately, the complete Beatles song does not seem to be on You Tube; this is a cover by a tribute band.

When I'm no longer 64, I may be thinking more about retirement, although I am not ready to retire as of right now.  My first cousin to retire is going to retire in January.  I have cousins in their late 60's who are still working.  One of my aunts was still working full time at age 77 when she died in a car accident.

And there's my long-lost friend who, if she is alive, would have turned 65 on December 7.

I have tried countless Internet and Facebook searches.   She moved from my part of New York City to another in 1964, and we lost touch just after her 16th birthday party.

Getting ready to turn 65 makes you think.

It makes you think of the people in your life who did not have the privilege of enjoying 65th birthdays.  That list includes my mother, my childhood best friend, and several co workers (including one I've blogged about a couple of times).   It makes me think of the things I would like to do while I still can. Maybe I'll be able to for years.  Maybe my cutoff will be tomorrow.

We never know, do we?

What are your thought as your age numbers creep upwards?