I always enjoy hearing from my readers. (FYI: you can reach me anytime in the “Leave a Comment” box at the end of any blog article; or as many people do, email ward@wardtanneberg.com).

This summer, a Perspective blog, “When Does Old Begin?” (July 20, 2020) elicited an unusual number of comments, questions and some humorous responses, too. I thought you might enjoy them as I did, so here are a few.

“No matter how good a shape you’re in, when you hit 85, you’re OLD! But no—I don’t choose to wear purple!”

        ~Ellie

[1] 

        Massachusetts

“May I have your permission to repost your thoughts here? I love your perspectives and the way you think.”

        ~Hal

        Texas

“My problem is so many people when they find that I am 91 say, â€˜Oh my, you do not look like you are 91—I really mean it—you do not look 91.’ What do I say? Thank you? What is 91 supposed to look like??? Or do you have a good one? God Bless.”

        ~Shirley

        Washington

(I do my best to acknowledge each person who takes time to write; a comment or quote, something that says thanks for taking time to write. This was such a sincere question, I had to smile while writing Shirley this note:)

Not ever having been ‘a woman at 91,’ I am not the expert to answer this, but if I were, I think I would be pleased and say something like: “Thank you.” or, “What a wonderful compliment. You just made my day.” And I would never act “undeserving.” Someone has just presented you with a gift. Accept it and let the giver know they have brought you joy.

           Maybe others of you more qualified than I have words of wisdom for Shirley.

“Gee...I had some gray hair at 18 ... and didn't even know that I'd qualified to be an old person so early in life.”

        ~Arlyn

        Washington

“Love this Ward. When my hip hurts and I have to find my cane to comfortably get around, l know l am old (and of course the wrinkles). Mentally I don’t feel old until I can’t remember someone’s name. If I did not have Jesus I would be decrepit. Thanks to your teaching l am fine with being old (85) and look forward to each day l am blessed with. We are doing a lot of yard work in our new home. (Tom and Sharon’s home was completely destroyed during a massive NorCal forest fire two years ago.) Tom ordered a Gravenstein apple and an apricot tree. They will be delivered in the spring. Praying that we will still be here to enjoy a harvest. If I didn’t have Jesus I would not have even bothered to buy them. I love baking pies. Chatted long enough. Hugs to Gage and you.” 

        ~Tom and Sharon

        California

“Hello Ward. Another excellent read. Thank you! May we have your permission to share as one of our emails, with appropriate credit and a link, of course. Blessings and hope during these challenging days,”

           ~Carol Murphy

           Adult Lutherans Organized for Action - ALOA aloaserves.org

           Florida

“Thanks, Ward, I've been thinking about that question. Last week I turned 66. A week earlier I was in the doctor's office, and the doctor's assistant put me in a room that wasn't clearly marked on my chart. ‘Where did you put Mr. Wick?’ I could hear the doctor ask beyond the closed door. She replied with, ‘You mean the old guy? He's in Room 7.’ Yep, 66 is officially old. (Fire that assistant!)

        I've also noticed how liberal others have become in applying the descriptor ‘elderly’ to those 65+. Elderly Woman Assaulted in Broad Daylight was a recent online news flash from NYC. Reading further, she was 64. Come on!

        In March, I visited Safeway during a time slot limited to adults 60+. At the entrance I asked a worker if I was on time for 60+ shopping. ‘Yeah, it's just for the elderly until 9 AM. Go on in.’ Ouch.”

        ~Wes

        California

Great insights all, great perseverance, great humor—and great ‘perspective!’”

Oh, and here’s one more from the Good Old Book. “Now Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.”[1] These two guys were just getting started on the greatest adventure of their lives!

Yes, ‘perspective’ makes all the difference.

Blessings, friends. Welcome to Life’s Third Age. Love you all.

[1] Exodus 7:7

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