68

 I really can't believe that later this week, God willing, I will turn 68.  It seems like just yesterday I was 9 and 43 and 29. The years speed by and somehow I never quite catch up.  I remember playing four square on my friend's driveway like it was yesterday.  I remember the "surprise" party that someone had for me when I turned 30. It was the most awful birthday of my life.

But, somehow I am headed toward the end of my 6th decade and those old memories are just memories. In my head I feel like a kid, but my body is old and slow moving.  It surprises me, this body of mine.  It is no longer nine, or 43 or 29.

I am learning to get old.  I have medicines and complaints.  I remember the good old days.  People my age are dying. I am needing something done to my knee. I am gray and balding a little bit in the front.

But, 68 will be a good age to be.  I have 2 beautiful grandchildren.  I can still walk and travel. I can still have dreams and plans and schemes.  So, happy birthday to me later this week.