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A Southern Belle in denial: The Medicare card came in the mail

October 10, 2017 By Anna McFadden

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:

  1. Not working and getting retirement and social security checks in the mail is nice.
  2. Being able to choose what I do, when and where is special.
  3. Volunteering keeps me connected and needed.
  4. There is time for contemplation.
  5. There is the opportunity to meet new and interesting friends.
  6. I am slowing down. There are more aches and pains. I know my doctors well.
  7. Relationships really matter- family, friends, old colleagues.
  8. Grandchildren are the blessing and reward for senior citizens.
  9. Little things that used to bother me don’t matter so much anymore. I have more patience.
  10. I have lived long enough to know that life is not black and white. There are many shades of gray.
  11. I am in no position to judge anyone else.
  12. Most people do the best they can most of the time.
  13. The years at the end of life are for making memories.

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