Fresh Perspectives

When Tony and I discussed adopting kids in our 50's we'd concluded that they would keep us young OR make us old really fast. Recently I've replaced the OR with AND as parenthood rockets us through our days with the inevitable crash onto the sofa once the kids settle in for the night.
"How many candles do I draw on Aunti Anne's birthday card" says Lil..."she's younger than you so is 20 okay?"
"I think she's 53 this year" I respond not thinking.
Lil's eyes narrow.
I remember Tony' s warning that I couldn't be 29 forever, and that grade 3 math was likely to be my downfall... so I confess: "Lil I'm not really 29, I'm 56"
"Well that's ok, Daddy's 57 and you look 30"
Hmm smart and diplomatic. I could learn from this kid.

Recently my dear man and I attended a Elton John concert and joined a stadium packed with boomers and their designated drivers.
Anyone who was expecting a wild rock concert with multiple breaks was surprised as this huge star performing for our humble small town ambled his way through dozens of songs, savouring his keyboard, prompting the audience to join in continuously for three hours. It was so real, intimate and relaxed, and I while I had wondered why the great piano man elected to play a small quiet venue like ours, I realized that perhaps Elton was slowing his hectic journey through life. By the end of the performance the boppers and boomers became one...thankful for the opportunity to enjoy a legend who incidentally also goes home to a new son and diaper changes.

Tony has always pushed early retirement but as the opportunity to golf daily approaches, he suggests that we keep working, but at a less frantic pace. Enjoy the journey, forget about the finish line. If 9/11 has taught us anything it is to stop and smell the unpruned roses.

So today, while he was catching babies on call, the girls and I watched TV, played snake with the dogs, ate ice cream, made soup from our garden vegetables and forgot about the demands that Monday will bring. It was a day of feeling like they were keeping me young.

"I learned a life lesson while camping and riding my bike." offers Lil: Don't go downhill too fast"
"Or you will crash" offers Grace
Slow ride good. Crash cart bad. I'm getting the message.