Getting Older

It happens every year.
There is no escape.
You can ignore it, but it doesn't go away.
It gets bigger every year.

Birthdays.

I had one recently, and was in a " i'm old" / "no big deal" , mindset. I did't want it to be a big deal this year, but having children also makes that close to impossible.
I will say, they made it more enjoyable though!

I did a bit of teasing,walking though the house bent over, limping, and "forgetful".

"ooh whats wrong with meee? ? I feel sooo OLD!"

Mommy ! you're not old, its just your birthday !

" of course I'm old ! look at me ! I'm always limping a little ! "

Mommy, thats only because your bad legs!

"what about my teeth? pretty soon I'll need false teeth too ! "

thats OK though Mom, you'll feel better then !

oh yea. my kids have all the answers. so i tried one more to convince them that Mommy was old.

" What about all my gray hairs ? "

I wait for the wise replies, and get blank looks and complete silence. after a few moments, Daughter softly says :

"I'll help you color it Mama. then no one will see it ,and won't think you're old."


Later, I was teasing at Son a bit. " oh I'm sooo OLD"
"no Mama, you're young."
I ask " but I am old, with all my gray hairs ! remember?"
he thinks for a minute.
"Then you're not young. . . but you're not old either Mama."
hmm.
"really?? well, them if i'm not young, OR old, what AM I?"

"you're love, Mama"

I think i can certainly live with that.