For My Birthday: A Lesson in Geography

The mood is reflective today.  I’ve just passed a rather negative milestone in my life, and the words of comfort offered on the occasion have been quite interesting.

One dear friend wrote: “Each age and stage of life has its joys and trials, the challenge is embracing the joys and dealing with the rest. Hang in there!”

My sister quipped: “You have now survived 70 glorious years!!! Congratulations!!! You have just added a new dimension to your illustrious life! Savor it!! Don't waste your life being unhappy about your age! Karl (her son, visiting her at the time) and I are having a good time and he wishes you a happy 7th decade. He says there's nothing wrong with not having died. Hear hear!”

And from my daughter: “I honestly don’t think you’ve changed a bit in the last 20 years.”  A very much appreciated lie.

 Then came this classic from my sister-in-law:

 Geography of a Woman

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa. Half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally Beautiful! 

Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe. Well developed and open to trade, especially for someone of real value.

 Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain, very hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

 Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece, gently aging but still a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain, with a glorious and all-conquering past.

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel, has been through war, doesn't make the same mistakes twice, takes care of business.

   Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada, self-preserving, but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes Tibet. Wildly beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages. An adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual knowledge.

 Geography of a Man

Between 1 and 80, a man is like Iran,
ruled by nuts.

But I shall leave you with the wise words of my father-in-law on the occassion of my much more devastating 30th birthday: "Would you really trade everything you've done, everything you've learned and experienced, to be younger again?"

I trust you wouldn't!

Hugs to all,
Tibet

“When 102 years old you are, look this good you will not!” -Yoda

Vivian Smith, my aunt-in-law, turned 102 on July 29. No way does she look it! She takes no meds except over-the-counter stuff occasionally, but these days she does need a walker to get around. Yes, she’s very hard of hearing, but is still quite sociable and loves going out to eat. Eating out, in fact, has been her favorite thing forever.

We marked the occasion with a small family gathering at a seafood place in Galveston. The restaurant’s marquee read: “Happy Birthday Vivian Smith, 102 years.” OMG you should’ve seen the close calls on Seawall Blvd. with folks slowing down to snap pics of that sign! Other restaurant patrons stopped by the table to offer congratulations. Aunt V was, as always, warm and gracious to all.

My sister-in-law Kathy planned everything – even had the group over to her lovely house afterward for cake and punch.

Aunt V is in care now. Kathy bravely tried to do it all herself for a couple of years, but she has to work and Aunt V can’t remember to do things like eat, bathe, or change clothes. The short-term memory is totally shot. Still, she’s a happy, pleasant person to be around, and she remembers everything from 1990 on back. And that’s quite a lot.

I have no doubt we’ll be celebrating birthday number 103. In fact, Aunt Vivian will probably outlive us all.