Member-only story
AGING | AWAKENING
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t
The life-changing philosophy I learned at 60
What’s my least favorite morning greeting?
“Man, you look rough.”
Our kids at the bus stop range from five to twelve years old. The parents average 30 years at best. I am at least twice their age, and it shows.
We mutually take advantage of the gap. They use me, the trusted granny, to watch their child when an emergency arises. I use them while they are a captive (captured?) audience to impart (regale?) them with ancient insights.
We respect each other. Most of us do, anyway.
One father occasionally joins his wife. Last week, he graced us with his presence. His fan club is small — if one even exists. I have no plans to seek membership.
Many months ago, he tried to coach my grandson to tell the kindergarten teacher (for reasons I can’t recall), “I ain’t no pimp.” He found it funny, but I did not and coldly cut him to the quick.
Not one of my prouder moments.
It had been weeks since we crossed paths. The caveman’s recent reintroduction to the morning routine was less than stellar.