The Gift of Age

In this day and age of "Beauty Miracles" lipo, pulls, tucks, pinches, lasers, and scalpels, every magazine, TV show, and ad tells us we need to look "young." Even if we are decades out of our 20's and firmly settled in middle age, such as I am. Although I loathe to admit it, I am guilty of wanting to look younger, although I feel 100 years old!!

Yet there is a part of me that thinks we should embrace our age and love ourselves as we are. I no longer have any grandparents, yet I loved them as they were. My grandfather's green eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. I remember with great fondness seeing his work worn and calloused hands shaping the granite or marble he turned into beautiful markers. Whether wrapped around his coffee cup or clasped in prayer, I wouldn't wish them to look younger. My grandmother's hair turned white early. She had it "done" each week. She wore red lipstick and was very striking. She didn't try to color or change her hair, she didn't need to. I would have been aghast if either of them had suggested changing anything!! To me they were perfect!

It seems that our old people are no longer valued and respected as in the past. Lovely grey haired grandma's who stirred up soups or read stories, their hands covered in now delicate and paper thin skin. Whose gentle and aged faces were beautiful. The lines showing where years of smiles have been. Grandfathers like mine who would read me stories, and let me stay up late watching westerns until my eyes burned. Thinning hair still combed in the same style for years. His deep, rich, voice singing the songs of the "Inks Spots" to me.

Yes, I miss seeing little old ladies with hats firmly placed on their blue hair shopping at Five and Dimes. Always in dresses with their clip on earrings. They always had the smell of old time powder or perfume. I miss men holding open doors, making sure the lady always walked on the inside on the sidewalk, or helping her with her coat. Things I try and teach my own sons.

It instills great joy in me when I see two old people holding hands. Having a great love that has spanned years. The kind that has outlived fads, hard times and great changes. I hope for all of you love of family, friends, lack of want, and good health!

"REMEMBER THE GIFT OF OLD AGE IS NOT A PRESENT EVERYONE GETS."