Love Your Age
Why You Should Appreciate the Process of Growing Old
A wonderfully misunderstood creature, Age.
It’s not Age’s fault really, the silly old thing. He’s got no choice but to weigh on us sometimes. Hell, he’s the reason I went from five pounds, eight ounces to 150 lbs in almost 32 short years. For now, Age and I have come to an agreement: He will lighten up as long as I promise to exercise.
I really don’t blame him. From the moment strained and sticky sounds, that once tripped from my mouth, began to stand up straight, and glue together in tribe-like chanted-label shouts screaming “mom” or “dad,” I was screwed. The ones I love that hold these titles and held me tight are psyched, that within months of existence, I’ve miraculously conjured out of a brand new mind something that actually makes sense; something they call “words.”
My parents were filled with pride, of course. He’s growing up so fast, they said. It seems upon arrival I’m already launched into leaving, like a miniature bottle rocket fresh off the Toys ‘R’ Us assembly line. Ready, set, go! Now I miss bottle rockets. Even more so, I miss the me who saw their flash strengthen the moon, thinking to myself, “That’s enough wow to last me a lifetime.” Don’t be sad for bottle rockets, and certainly don’t be sad for me. Like I said, Age is misunderstood.
In the years of early rising wrapped up in untied laces, hopscotch, and face paint, I treated Time like some angry old man who everyone thought lived in the overshadowed house at the end of the street. The man that existed in rumors, sleepover-stories, and legend. In those days, the only thing that mattered were Friday night movies and Saturday morning cartoons. Luckily, just like me, Time has changed. He’s still older, but his gait has shifted from fear to wisdom. Now he carries with him a long staff carved with all the peaks and valleys of adventure I used to dream of, along with a welcoming smile. These days, I think I might like to smile back and invite him over for tea. I think I’ll invite Age as well. I believe I owe them both an apology. It’s clear I still have a lot to learn, and for once, I’m willing to ask the questions.
First, I’d ask about wrinkles. They’re starting to appear. I honestly thought they would hide much longer from the deep stare of the bathroom mirror. Time says my wrinkles are brave, and he made them that way purposely. Age calls the wrinkles distinguished. They are children themselves, born from action packed memories and risky maneuvers. The one under my right eye is from waiting until the last minute to study night after night because college was more about relationships. The two at the tops of both cheeks are from my first love and smiling way too much.
You see, says Time, wrinkles aren’t so bad. There’s no such thing as smiling too much.
Next, I’d give my apologies. I’d tell Time I didn’t realize I was pushing him away. He’d forgive me of course, with all the wisdom and such. I’d tell Age how much I value him for his experience. I certainly wouldn’t be the man I am today without the trials they gifted a boy who opened his eyes to nothing and everything in the same blink only moments ago.
As the tea cups empty and the caffeine kettle’s whistle quiets, I’ll thank them both for coming at such short notice. I’ll promise to pay more attention to the seconds as they grow into years and beyond. Lastly, I’ll tap Time on his wood ring shoulder and ask, “Why do you fly so fast?” In my head I can hear his reply: I have so many souls to reach, dear boy, and everyone deserves the chance to live.
As Time strides on and Age continues to peek his head ever so shyly from behind the years to come, think of all the things you and I have learned up to now and what may lie ahead. Much like a father, I know the hands of Time will keep our attention when we go astray. Age will continue to weave a tapestry of experience, a map of decisions tattooed across our paper bodies that may one day help guide another soul to their desires and dreams. How wonderful that we are limitless because we are limited. Let us give thanks to Time and Age by falling deeper and deeper in love with ourselves. I will do my best to gives thanks to you both in my waking hours, until I blink no more and fall asleep with a smile.
