Reflections: Being 80 Years Old

I became 80 years old on July 14, 2017.

As the years rolled by some birthdays became more significant than others. My 21st birthday was important because back then you had to be 21 to vote and were considered an adult. I do not remember another birthday till I turned 50, for some reason that seemed important to me to be half of a hundred! I do not remember why. But it made sense at the time. Sixty just blew by with little or no attention. Seventy-five seemed a milestone because I was now 3/4 of a hundred. But 80 years?
I can’t think of anything that would be cause for celebration or depression, it is just a number. I am no different today than I was yesterday; the bad thing about getting old is to spring from the bed in the morning, feeling pretty sporty, go strutting into the bathroom and glance into the big mirror and “horror of horrors,” SOMEONE has stolen my head and replaced it with a head of a cadaver. I know that shrunken old skull staring back at me can’t be a true reflection of me. I feel good, I think straight (most of the time).

I go to the gym six days a week and exercise briskly, my bodily functions are good. (For a man my age, so the doctor says.) I have no ailments, other than my knee and one shoulder popping and snacking and crackling every time I move them a certain way – but mostly everything is okay.
Having lost both parents, my eldest son, one brother, my eldest sister, a step-daughter and many, many friends and neighbors to the “grim reaper” sometimes our thoughts (when we get older) turn to the fact that ALL will have a time to go.
When my time to die comes I know I will not beg for more time, NOR will I cry. I have led a life filled with love, glory and splendor.
My hope and belief is that I will leave this world with a smile on my face and the courage to sing my death song in the presence of my loved ones and friends – and hope the memories they have of me are good ones.

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Enjoy our “Reflections” post — one of many vignettes and stories featuring memories of days gone by. This installment is from David H. McBride of Senatobia, Mississippi, as seen in “The Oxford So & So.”
If you would like to contribute your own Reflections story, send it, along with photos, to hottytoddynews@gmail.com.

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