Not Old Enough

January 2, 2012

“There must be a day or two in a man’s life when he is the precise age for something important.”
~Franklin P. Adams

Back in “my day,” turning 18 was epic–old enough for emancipation from parental rule, to legally buy and drink 3.2 beer, and to vote. Twenty-one was eagerly anticipated by the 3.2 beer crowd wishing to try the harder things in life. Overachievers.

In my early 20s, talk of retirement seemed an eternity away and pointless. In retirement visions, I pictured myself tanned and stylin’ on a tennis court with a handsome senior man, without wrinkles, firm, and athletic. Imposed early retirement was a brutal reality smack-down with my SPS diagnosis at 36. I lost my dream of the tennis court and celebration for turning 65 with a party from my co-workers, complete with presents.

The next milestone was qualifying for an AARP card and all of the membership advantages of turning 50–once again getting ‘carded.’ Deja vu, with beginning wrinkles.

I received some information in the mail about a very interesting social/intellectual/exercise program for individuals 55+…not quite ‘old enough.’ I am going to check into it anyway. Just a minor technicality, I turn 55 this year.

I am not old enough to be racking up the equivalent of cha-ching bonus points on a prescription card, watch older women walk effortlessly in a mall with envy, or have my social calender filled with doctor appointments. Nobody is.

Chronic illness or rare disease is non discriminating regardless of age, ethnicity, beliefs, or gender. NORD, (National Organization For Rare Disease), is our change.org.

Copyright © 2012