gather them in

This whole growing old thing.  I thought I'd conquered it.  I thought I had figured out how to do it gracefully.  I really thought I'd figured out how to stay young.

Since I turned 40 I've been confronted with that number.  With what that number means.  With the change that number brings.  And I thought I'd figured it out.  I thought I was ok with it.  I thought I'd fooled time.

But, even looking back at a few of these posts, shows me that I really haven't fooled anyone.

Another point in that directions ~ Friday at our annual MMS BOO-fete, Chad and I were talking about spelling, as is our running joke that he's a former spelling bee champion and they wouldn't let me in the competition room.  Our very young assistant principal says to me, "Did you have Chad in class?" 
Stab...Chad's 36.

It finally dawned on me that I can't keep going back to all those times I've been asked for my ID to convince myself (and everyone I tell) that I still look 21. ~ My new theory is that the youngsters working in these establishments have a running conversation ~ they pick people to ask for their IDs and watch the reaction.  Then they laugh about it (me) later in the break room. 

So, as in all of my times of inner turmoil, I turn to Bruce Springsteen.  In his recent interview with Brian Williams he talks about aging.  He feels that the band in better now than they've ever been.  He says, "If you do it right, instead of running from the years, you gather them in.  If you gather them in, something really wonderful happens.  Give me these years.  Gather all the time we can.  With the time we've got ahead ~ it should get better."

Gather them in.  Live and learn.  It's just going to get better.