Landmark Day

Do you remember when you realized when your parents were old? I remember my father introducing me to a friend of his and telling me he has been friends with Ol’ Jake for over fifty years. I thought to myself, “Big deal, if I was that old, I would have known people that long also.” Well, I made it. Yep, this week I hit the double nickels. I am now as old as my dad when I realized he was old. I just don’t feel as old as he acted. Maybe I am as old as he was. I get grumpy faster than I did when I was younger. Elaine, Ivy and the twins will attest to that. I have most of my hair. The darn stuff is almost all gray, OK white. I am OK with that. My face is the color and texture of an old cowboy boot. I can cover that, or at least some of that with hair. Gray hair. When it bothers me, I will just stop looking in the mirror.. I have known my friend, Greg, for over FIFTY years. I’m kind of proud of that. We still talk and see each other. Other than a couple of my brothers and a few relatives Greg is the person I have known the longest. I met Greg the summer before I started kindergarten. We walked to school together. Uphill and in snow, both ways. Hey, this is my story and I’m telling it the way I remember it. When you celebrate the double nickels, you are old, my friend. Don’t believe me, get yourself a set of eight year old twins and wait. It won’t be long and they will remind you. Boy Twin: Hey Monner, I think you and Grandma are the oldest parents at our school. Me: Thanks for noticing that. Boy Twin: Yep. Me: You know what? Boy Twin: What? Me: We’re going to be the oldest next year also. Boy Twin: Cool! Girl Twin: Monner, will I have wrinkles in my face when I’m old like you? Me: I didn’t know I had wrinkles. Girl Twin: Oh yeah, there is one there and there and another there and two there……… Me: Ok, Stop Funny, I don’t feel old. Our crazy lives!

Monner