Just as the federal government promised, three months before the month of my 65th birthday, my Medicare card came in the mail on September 1. I suppose I should celebrate some evidence of government efficiency, but somehow, this was not a day for celebration. I actually realized that I am officially a senior citizen.
My Favorite Yankee loves being a senior citizen and has been taking full advantage of all discounts. I do not share in this joy. It just simply makes me feel old. Don’t worry. I will get over it.
I was trying to think of what I could honestly say to my girls about what this time in life means. Here goes:
- Not working and getting retirement and social security checks in the mail is nice.
- Being able to choose what I do, when and where is special.
- Volunteering keeps me connected and needed.
- There is time for contemplation.
- There is the opportunity to meet new and interesting friends.
- I am slowing down. There are more aches and pains. I know my doctors well.
- Relationships really matter- family, friends, old colleagues.
- Grandchildren are the blessing and reward for senior citizens.
- Little things that used to bother me don’t matter so much anymore. I have more patience.
- I have lived long enough to know that life is not black and white. There are many shades of gray.
- I am in no position to judge anyone else.
- Most people do the best they can most of the time.
- The years at the end of life are for making memories.