I got asked if I was a “senior” yesterday. I was paying for bagels at Einstein’s when the cashier said with a smile “Are you a senior?” I looked at her perplexed and to be honest I was starting to turn my head to look behind me at what I was sure was the real person she was speaking to when I quickly realized that person was me!
My immediate thought was “I look like a senior?” Followed by “OMG, I am a senior! When did I become that old?” I obviously don’t think I’m a senior. I’m sixty-one for god’s sake but in my mind I’m much much younger.
While contemplating that reality and still not answering, the cashier then said the dreaded word – “Mam?” Not a Miss but a Mam! I’ve officially turned the corner. OMG! I’m a senior and a Mam! That sealed it – I now felt old.
Coming out of my shock – I sucked it up, faced reality and responded “Yes, I am a senior”. After admitting to this millennial that I am “old” in her eyes. I thought about it for a minute and followed up with “And happy to be one.”
You see, I realized in that moment, that despite the fact that I’m now “older”, I’m grateful to be a “senior”. I’m happy that I’m 61 and have more years on the horizon. Do I feel like a senior citizen? No. Do I act like a senior citizen? Nope. Do I look like a senior citizen? Hope not. But the reality is that I am and I embrace it in gratitude.
So I got my senior discount ($2.00 off my bill) and left smiling. Maybe being a senior has its advantages? Now if we could just find another word for Mam . . .
On side note – went for my oncologist check-up today. The nurse was going through a list of questions then asked “Are you pregnant?” I looked at her and said shouted “I’m a senior.” Amazing how I had no problem admitting it!