I watched as he picked up the menu and extended his arm. Gone were the days where he could read the beer list with his arm bent. I smiled, and I welcomed him to my world. Yes, Rob and I have reached the age of seeing things better from a distance.

As a kid in elementary school, I remember being fascinated with what I imagined was taking place behind the teacher’s lounge door. If I happened to walk by the teacher’s lounge when a teacher was either entering or leaving the room, I would do my best to peek inside, hoping to get a glimpse into the private club. Ever curious, I find myself drawn to the ways and the world of adults. To me, growing old is getting like getting an all-access pass to the teacher’s lounge

In 1982, John Cougar Mellenkamp released the song ‘Jack and Diane’. The lyrics of the song included, “Hold on to 16, as long as you can.” The lyrics continue, “Changes come around real soon make us women and men.” When that song was released I was 13 years old. And, I remember thinking the 3 yrs I had before turning 16 would take forever. Finally, when I turned 16, I listened to the song again, celebrating the fact that I now had access to an exclusive club. Well, maybe not that exclusive.

Growing up and growing old brings with it many experiences. As a kid, I marveled at the aging process; now, I find humor in the fact that I am experiencing first hand what I found fascinating as a kid. I held on to 16 as long as I could, but really – the age of 16 hasn’t got anything on other older ages. Sure, not every age-induced experience is pleasant, but I’d much rather experience growing old than miss it entirely. Now excuse me, I am going to see how many gray hairs I can find on my head. Yes, I am looking forward to getting gray hair.