by Linda B. Myers

The room would turn as blue as a glacier if I recalled all the f-bombs I’ve lobbed in my life. Quite a few of them have taken flight very recently. I’ve heard more than a few from the people around me, too. And along the way, I’ve learned a new swear word. The word is OLD.

I had no idea how offensive OLD could be until a friend challenged me with its usage. And they have good reason. The word brings up images of the fragile elderly sagging in wall-saver recliners, tucked away at family gatherings. People pass by and kindly shriek, “HOW YOU DOING, GRAMMA?” then go on with the gaiety. If the family is large enough to have two left-over seniors, they are often seated side by side so they can chat even if they don’t really know one another.

Nobody responds well to that image of OLD.

But ye gods. When you look in the mirror and are saddened by your own image, keep in mind you’re a warrior weeping. You see the scars, you’ve made it through hard times with a track record of 100% even though you may be riddled with grief. You are facing a political climate that is forcing you to question whatever you’ve believed. You’re a beast. You have a history. Have pride in your age. Roar. You can be plucky or sassy or whatever euphemism is viewed as correct at the moment, but you are also OLD. Don’t old-shame what we’ve accomplished.

And even if you don’t believe it, you are sweeter for your baking. You are more beautiful with wrinkles than baby fat. You are living proof of a game, if not won, at least well-played. When we are free from the surface appeal that has mattered for so much of life, we are left with essence. And that can be breathtaking.

As a side note: you may remember I recently adopted another dog. Logan is a Great Pyrenees, a very good but very large boy. He forces me to take walks. To leave my house I have to chug up a hill. I gasp, I sweat, I curse my aching feet. But I’m doing it. I am OLD and proud of it (although Logan thinks I am his sheep). I recommend a big dog for you all.

See Linda’s collection of Sequim Gazette articles in her newest book, “What Little I Know Now,” available at local book stores or on Amazon.