When did I become “older”?

by Dianne in Denver

I was talking to my granddaughters the other day and one of them wanted to know “how old I was when my mom let me get a cell phone.” I told them I was 40! You can imagine how astonished they both were to hear how old I was. I then had to explain to them that cell phones hadn’t even been invented yet and that is why I didn’t have one. I had another experience recently with my grandson talking about past Presidents that had been killed and I told him that I remember when Kennedy died. As I was telling him, he interrupted and very seriously wanted to know if I was there when Lincoln was shot!! These are funny stories but these children were both very serious when asking me their questions.

My granddaughters, 8 and 10, always want to be older. They ask me how old I will be when they are different ages. Recently, they told me they wanted to get married when they were thirty and asked how old I would be then. I told them I would be dead and to quit wishing my life away!!

I ordered a pizza the other night, and when the person asked me for my address, I drew a complete blank. I quickly looked for a bill or something with my address on it and felt myself begin to panic. I was home alone, so there was no one to ask. I found something with my address on it and pretended to be someone visiting and ordering a pizza. Now that scared me!!!

It is like I am still 30 or so in my head and have completely forgotten how old I really am or look. I no longer get asked if I am a senior at the movie theater. They just assume I am. I sometimes wonder how the 16 year old taking my money knows that about me.

I was at a birthday party with my grandchildren and they were being taught a “new” dance…..it was the Charleston. Now, I am not old enough to say I used to dance that (remember, I graduated from high school in ‘64) but I certainly know the Charleston and maybe even danced it a time or two. I explained to them it was a dance that my mom used to do. I just got “the look” from them.

Sometimes I think I can still do the things I used to do…like roller skating with the kids, and then I remember I’m not always able to. I have a very healthy 94 yr old aunt that tells me the same thing. She doesn’t get around as well and says she forgets she is 94 because once again in her mind, she is a younger age.

I was just wondering if any of these things have happened to any of you. Let’s share some of the things that have happened to you. Maybe none of these things have happened to you yet, and if that is the case…….I salute you!! ……because you’re a damn liar!!!