This year I’m anticipating a landmark birthday, when finally – okay, belatedly – I’ll admit I’m elderly. But I’m not moaning, I’m celebrating.
I’ve been saying it for years: the great thing about getting older is that you can enjoy watching your favorite movies and reading your best-loved books over and over because you can’t remember what happened.
Lately I’ve been experiencing another pleasure of advancing age. Packages may come to the door unexpectedly, although I know the contents must be something I need because I ordered them. But what are they? After some speculating, I open a mysterious package; then a smile breaks over me and a pleased oh yes follows. I had no idea I would end up sending myself presents year round – but what fun!
On the other hand, when I do want to recall something, I can ask myself for the information. For example: Why did I sit down at the computer? Where did I set that book? What’s the name of _______? Very often the answer comes within seconds, provided I don’t rant or insist, not even guess or try to figure it out. I must wait calmly and quietly for the answer.
There was the time when my husband and I couldn’t find the keys to our safe deposit box. I had moved them to a more remote hiding place when we were having work done inside the house and had told him their new location. Three weeks later, when the work was over, neither of us could remember where the keys were. “Couldn’t you just ask?” entreated my husband. No way was my quick reply. I couldn’t possibly meet the terms for receiving an answer.
Like most of my life stories, this one has a happy ending. My husband did find the keys but not until after he had dug through every drawer, box, and cupboard in my office and craft room in the middle of the night while I slept. In the process, he uncovered my stash of one-line notes with cartoon-like drawings that he had left for me over the years. As he was telling me of this discovery hours later, the extraordinary sparkle in his eyes disarmed me, and I instantly forgave him for the entire intrusion.
A poem I wrote in the 2000s I would write today if I hadn’t already written it:
Life is like
a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
oozing out the edges,
thick and sweet,
daring to be eaten
no matter how sticky it is,
no matter how thirsty it makes you,
and leaving its taste in your mouth
long after the moment is gone.
Bon appétit!
The celebration continues next month with a favorite life story.
Awww, I love the sparkle story–thanks for sharing it! I can relate, too, to the joy of finding something you didn’t remember you had or remember you ordered, or something coming to light at an unexpected moment. I have the habit of putting a $10 or $20 bill in my pocket when leaving home without my purse, and forgetting to remove it when I return. I am always so pleased the next time I wear that particular jacket sometime later, put my hands in the pockets, and wa-la, discover found money!
$20 in my pocket — that would be a find all right! I’m glad you enjoyed the story, Ellen.
💖
I hear you, Anne. Thanks for the smile.
I loved this and totally relate to everything you said! Aging is indeed a new adventure that has many surprising twists and turns. And what a special poem that relates to every age and time in life. This might be my favorite of your writings as it so relates to me. Keep on writing on and sharing your gift with us!
I’m utterly delighted by your comments, Imo Jeane. Thank you so much for that.
Hum, it never occurred to me that life is like a peanut butter sandwich. I didn’t know you were turning 60. Congratulations, you don’t look a year over 50. Good story!
Now it’s my turn to smile.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful message. I don’t think I have smiled this much in a long time! You not only sent a photo of my ‘go to meal’ when I can’t figure out what to eat at lunchtime, you’ve reminded me how wonderful it is to revisit warm memories and to celebrate being alive and well.
Oh, Dona, how you made me smile! What could make it more worthwhile to write?
Thank you for writing this! I loved it! I got a t-shirt recently that I bought on line that had the pattern bunnies. I could not have been happier or more surprised. Later when I saw it again on line, the pattern was so obvious, I had to have forgotten it.
I don’t think I saw a reminder this time that you had posted a writing. Am glad to find it’s time for your next!
Occasionally when you have lunch, will you think of me? I miss you Sally.
Ah, those senior moments!!! A little startling when they first happen, but gradually letting go has stood me in good stead. Thank goodness for Google search:)
It definitely pays not to take it too seriously. Actually, I think you’re one of the first who taught me that.
This really reminds me of some of the great insights and bucolic imagery in “I Touch the Earth; The Earth Touches Me”–Thanks so much for sharing!