I guess none
of us like to think we look much older than we did when we graduated, and that
unlike the majority of my classmates whom I have seen on social media sites, we
would be easily recognizable to people who knew us at that stage in our lives.
After the
birth of my granddaughter’s son I begin telling everyone who cared to listen
that I was a great grandfather now, (and I took a great deal of pride in doing
so). If nothing else for the shock value. I mean, my own last great grandparent
died the year I was born. But with the increasingly longer lifespan in America, it’s
not all that unusual to see great great grandparents walking around. And I
suppose there may be a random 3x great grandfather or great grandmother among
us.
Recently, I
made one of my former university students aware that I had begun a new
ministry, as it seemed good to me to offer discipleship and leadership classes
to church groups and congregations in my local area. As a result, Sue responded
with,
“That’s
great, Dr. Bill! I’m so pleased. It’s so wonderful that you are compelled to go
right on helping people at this stage in your life. You inspire me!”
Hmmmm
And then
today, as I was stacking my groceries on the little conveyor belt at Publix
Supermarket, and making a bit of “chit chat” with the cashier, I mentioned that
this particular great grandfather was up and out at 4am today in the 39 degree
weather; peddling 10 miles. She smiled and responded favorably.
And about
this time the bagger asked “Jamie” when she would be graduating from college;
which was my cue to ask her what course of study she was pursuing. Jamie
flashed her pleasant smile again, and made me aware she would be getting a
degree in occupational therapy. To which I said, “Well, that’s definitely a
great field of study.”
The cashier’s final response caught me off guard.
“Well, with
all that exercise you do on a daily basis, I doubt I’ll be seeing you in
therapy any time soon.”
Uhhhh
For if you
somehow failed to pick up on the implications in the foregoing scenarios, there
seemed to be an unspoken implication that,
“You
certainly are doing well for an elderly gentleman.”
(and/or)
“I hope when
I reach your advanced age I will be as spry as you are.”
(and/or)
“Keep up the
good work. With that mindset and exercise routine, you may live all of five or
six more years!”
Maybe to maintain my fading illusion of youth, I
should just keep my mouth shut!
By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 26. Copyright pending
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***************
If you would like to see the titles and access hundreds of my blogs from 2015, do the following:
Click on 2015 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "The Shot Must Choose You" appears, click on the title. All my 2015 blog titles will come up in the index
NOTE: **If you are viewing this blog with a Google server/subscription, you may note numerous underlined words in blue. I have no control over this "malady." If you click on the underlined words, you will be redirected to an advertisement sponsored by Google. I would suggest you avoid doing so.
By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 26. Copyright pending
If you wish to copy, share or save this blog, please include the credit line, above
***************
If you would like to see the titles and access hundreds of my blogs from 2015, do the following:
Click on 2015 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "The Shot Must Choose You" appears, click on the title. All my 2015 blog titles will come up in the index
NOTE: **If you are viewing this blog with a Google server/subscription, you may note numerous underlined words in blue. I have no control over this "malady." If you click on the underlined words, you will be redirected to an advertisement sponsored by Google. I would suggest you avoid doing so.
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