Ahead of the Pack

A wolf pack in the wild, with a shout out to the talented Eva Blue.

A friend from my hometown reminded me recently that I am among the first in our graduating class to achieve the newest digit in my age.  A pure kindness, that one.

This is also a truth among my college friends who more regularly ask how it feels to be the age they are nearing later in the year. The short answer is that it is definitely preferable to the alternative.

Once upon a time, being first in the class to get a driver’s permit or being old enough to legally purchase 3.2 beer was a big deal. My younger classmates were well aware that I could get the car for evenings up to a year before they could. And having a driver’s license with the right age on it was a ticket to the best parties, since I could bring beverages.

My, how that perspective changes over the years.

Being old enough to vote before my friends? A big deal.

Being old enough to rent a car before my friends? A big deal.

Being the first to get an invite to join AARP? Not such a big deal.

Being the first to get a Medicare card? Somewhat horrifying.

And qualifying for full benefits from Social Security? Well, I haven’t tapped that yet.

I find myself at an age where I pay attention to ads for those potions and serums that reduce the appearance of the laugh lines I’ve earned.

I actually remember to apply daily sunscreen after one little experience with a spot that had to be sliced out of my forehead. It turns out that sitting on Dayna’s tarpaper roof with foil wrapped album covers to reflect the sun on our faces wasn’t the best idea.

There are regular reminders that moving more is important and sitting too much is deadly. The phrase “move it or lose it” takes on real meaning at this age.  There were those in previous generations who took to their beds for one illness or another – and then were unable to leave their beds again. Cautionary even at our less advanced age.

But advanced age is actually a gift in many ways. Not all of my childhood friends had the opportunity to advance to this age. Not all were able to witness as many turns around the sun as I have at this point – or as many as I hope to have in the future.

So, I’ll take that note from my old friend as a celebration. Yep – still leading the pack with the next larger digit and here to enjoy the experience of it all