And while I’m ready for it, even if I don’t want to admit that this is even more “over the hill” than what I was ten years ago, what I’m not so happy with is that even if I try to ignore the looming birthday, there are those who never forget.
Death and taxes, they say, are the constants of our lives.
But really, those two words uttered together should be amended, if we're being honest. We really need to add AARP to that little dynamic duo because two weeks from my birthday, I received a nice little notice in the mail - with my maiden name, of course, because that’s when they found me, as a child happily oblivious to death and taxes heading my way - that congratulated me on my joyous arrival.
"You're eligible for AARP! Won't you join us?"
I stood there when I got the mail, just looking at the envelope, unable to fully grasp that they found me. Two things occurred to me: One: they have known about me for decades. This, in and of itself, is remarkable and scary, and I firmly believe that the government and AARP are working together. (This is not a political statement, but it could be...)
And two, they used actual mail to get hold of me, because they knew full well I'd delete an email (and I do) that looks like that. And in a small way, maybe I'm just a touch flattered? After all, they took the time to add me to their list! By golly, I'm eligible. I'm so honored.
Even worse, instead of just throwing the mail away, I opened it. I did! I looked at how much money they wanted per year, and then I looked at the handy dandy plastic card I'd get if I accepted to partner with them while my hair grows grayer and my bones just a little more frailer.
Then, I did what a lot of people do: I threw it away in the recycling bin so it would be recycled into more paper for future card-carrying AARP members.
While I gest, the truth is, aging isn't a bad thing. It's what we're all doing. I just wish it wasn't thrown in my face like confetti. I just wish we got some certificate for making it to fifty - or a gift card or something (and not have to pay to be in AARP). Because life truly is a gift! I noted several high-profile people who passed away last week, all under 50. And it happens all the time. I'm blessed to get this far.
So if you're like me and approaching this decade, or perhaps another significant decade, just remember: the government hasn't forgotten you. Nope, death and taxes are a constant, and they know where you are. (The grim reaper and the government). But, never fear... so does AARP.
And maybe that brings a smile to your face, just like it did to mine.
No comments:
Post a Comment