Getting Used to Getting Older …

As I approach my 70th birthday this spring, I am feeling older. Hello, Judy? You are older! I know that, but it is taking some getting used to. I tried telling myself it was just later middle age, but I know better that that—70 is old!

My husband loves to tease me by pointing out that now I don't have to worry about dying young. And I have to admit that when I was working on my family genealogy, it was sad to see how many parents, including mine, died young, leaving their children to be raised by relatives or, in some cases, total strangers.

Our children are all grown now, so we don't have to worry about that. In fact, the shoe may be on the other foot. Now they keep asking us how we feel, and bringing us grocery bags full of oat bran cereal, vitamin pills and patent medicines from health food stores that are guaranteed to keep you alive forever.

Actually it is the little, non-life-threatening things that are aggravating about getting older. You get used to something, and darned if they don't stop making it. Or you have a favorite store or shop, and it closes. I am still mourning New Stars in Torrington, and it has been closed … what is it now, 20 years?

I have used the same brand and shade of lipstick for 20 years, and Revlon, for reasons of their own, stopped making it. I wrote them a plaintive letter: "Please bring back 'Orchid Beach'," but they replied, rather snippily, that I should try one of their other pinks. No thanks, they are pale and bland. "Orchid Beach" made a statement. I have two half-tubes left, and I use it only for state occasions. I thought I was the only one being that silly, but in talking with a friend I found out it was her favorite color, too, and she has a couple of tubes left, and is rationing it out too!

Aren't we silly? But that is another thing about growing old: you can be silly, or forgetful, or fumble with your checkbook, and most people just smile and say, kindly: "Take your time, no hurry." Of course, what they don't realize is that time is the one thing we are running short on. So, on that cheerful note I will quit and go tint my hair—the color it used to be …