It’s Not the Years, It’s the Mileage

I was recently at a Mets game, standing at the concession stand to buy some beer. The girl politely asked me for my ID. I looked back at her with what I am sure was a surprised look on my face. She said, again, “I need to see your ID”. I smiled and said, “Thank you for the compliment. I cannot tell you how long it has been since I have been ‘carted’.” I am not going to tell you just how long it has been since anyone has asked for my ID with regard to purchasing alcohol and it felt great to be asked.

I was reminded of aging issues while visiting my family on vacation. My dad and I went shopping for a few things for dinner. Actually, we were picking up cantaloupes that are sweet and delicious this time of year. I dream about them when I am in New York. The grocery store that we go to is called SAFEWAY, a popular supermarket chain. It is a very nice store. My dad who is deep into his 80s, still drives and carries things. I call him the “energizer bunny”. Age to me is only a number—“how old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” is an interesting question. Of late people are saying that 60 is the new 40. Yet, as I look at dad, he has gotten slower and a little more bent over and time is not on anyone’s side. Al Gore who just turned 60 said—“60 is the new 59.”

As dad and I entered the check-out lane, we were greeted by the cashier who was visibly upset by the fact that actor Morgan Freeman was in an auto accident and at this time his condition was unknown. She said:” I hope he will be OK, I didn’t know he was 72 years old.” She made you feel that even though she didn’t know him personally she was greatly concerned about his welfare. At this point the old lady in front of us said—“Gee, he is young, I am 90 years old.” I took a second look and this lady talked as clear as a bell and looked great. She stood up straight and was writing a check with ease for her purchase. She could have passed for years younger. I said, putting my hands on my dad’s shoulder—“He is 88 1⁄2”. She looked at him and said: “You got to hang in to 100.” We smiled. The cashier said: “We all need goals.”

I smiled when I saw the interview with Dana Torres who, at 41, was representing our country as a champion Olympic swimmer in Beijing. When asked what she would tell her two-year old daughter, she said, “You’re never too old to achieve your goals.” Just ask Sara and Abraham.

We all need goals. Psalm 90 puts it this way: “Teach us to number our days and apply our hearts unto wisdom.” That’s a goal.