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65-60-55

Today is a monumental day in our family history.  My oldest brother turns the wonderful age of 65.  He becomes an official recipient of Medicare, along with  half priced meals for dining out, and discount airplane seats. The golden years or better yet, the sunset years loom before him.  It still sounds strange to me to say I have a brother who is 65 years old; it's like saying you have a brother who could be your father. . . but not.  With this day, I realize another unfortunate fact.  My brothers and I are separated by multiples of five, so with the oldest being 65, it's only a matter of months before we too will join him at 60 years, and 55 years for me, no less.  Wow, that means we all will be senior citizens!  Not only that but we could be considered geriatrics!  Whew!



Somehow, it seemed so much better in years before, 5-10-15, 20-25-30, even 40-45-50!  I wonder how did we arrive so quickly? I pondered these numbers as I walked the golf course this gray foggy morning.  It has been awhile since I've been on the green, and true to myself, I was a bit rusty on the tees. Why do I tweak the ball this way and that?  There I go into the trees again or what a great shot, but directly into the sand!  I strive for consistency, but it doesn't seem to arrive until the last few holes.  Yep, golf is always a life reminder for me because so many aspects play out like it.  My life isn't that perfect drive, more often it's a series of "ups and downs" as I seem to meet up with hazards surrounding my aim.  And now, I realize I am getting ready to step into the back nine of time . . . 


Of course, that time reaches you before you feel you're ready.  Why, if it's anything like my golf game, I feel like I'm just getting warmed up!  I understand my parents so much better now, as I use to hear them comment on the brevity of life.  But I'm deciding to grind it out, to keep playing with all my heart.  Just like today, even though it wasn't my best day and I had to listen once again to my husband's gentle reminders of "lining up" and "swinging through," I'm deciding to approach this time with grace and joy. I'm going to smile, laugh, and play more often.  Even in spite of shots gone wrong and temporary tears, I'm staying in the game. . .     


So today, I am very thankful for my "senior" family that we've become.  It is just one more blessing God had hidden long before in our smaller numbers, but now revealed in the awesome 65-60-55!

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