“Beautiful young people
are accidents of nature,
but beautiful old people
are works of art.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

It’s a truth that cannot be denied. Kathy and I are getting older. I don’t think we’ve reached the age when the term “old people” applies to us yet, but with each passing year, we are getting closer to that point. I’m okay with this, and so is Kathy. Getting older certainly beats the alternative.

Our hearing isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be, nor is our vision. Kathy and I have both paid the price for too many hours in the sun without sunscreen in our younger years. Our bodies make noises they didn’t make twenty years ago, noises which resemble the “snap, crackle, and pop” from the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies breakfast cereal. While we still enjoy walking, running is no longer an option for either of us. When we sit or stand or lay in one position for long periods of time, it can be quite a challenge to get up and moving again. Despite all this, we are alive and well.

Today we celebrate Kathy’s birthday. We had a nice family dinner and swim party yesterday afternoon to celebrate our granddaughter’s birthday. All the kids and grandkids were with us. So there won’t be a big celebration today. Kathy’s totally okay with this. She and I agree that, with each passing year, there is no reason to make a big deal out of our birthdays. I suspect that in the years to come, we will continue to acknowledge birthdays for ages ending in zero and five. It’s well and good if the others pass without any fanfare.

I have a tremendous sense of gratitude for Kathy’s presence in my life. I’m grateful that she has been, and continues to be, a remarkable mother and grandmother. Despite our differences, we make a good team.

One week from today, we celebrate another milestone in our lives — our 40th wedding anniversary. It’s been quite a ride. I can’t think of anyone else who would have put up with me for this long!

Happy Birthday, Kathy!