The Southwest Voice

A dear friend whom I’ve known for close to 30 years recently celebrated her 82^nd birthday.  She was the first person I met when I went to work in Houston, Texas for an oil company.  Later, we were included in a large group that transferred to Bakersfield so we worked together about 20 years before she retired.  She kind of took me “under her wing” when I tackled the complexities of a new job for a big company. 

By the time you are over 75 or 80, there’s not really much you need but a card is always welcome. Dinner with friends is the best possible gift.  The card has to be a special card, funny but not too funny. Nice, but not too nice. It takes a long time in the card aisle to find just the right one. 

The first card I picked up had a picture of an old man on it without any teeth and the sentiment was something like this:  “Look at it this way, you don’t have to worry about having your teeth whitened anymore.”  I didn’t think that was all that funny and, honestly, I don’t know many people who would.  If you lose your teeth at any stage in life, it certainly isn’t a laughing matter. 

Another one said something about getting a dog that can learn how to walk you!  No humor there.  Another one asked the question, “Are we getting older or did someone dip a paintbrush in white paint and drop in on your head?  Happy Birthday anyway!”  Of course there was a drawing of some wild looking painter swinging a paintbrush through a can of white paint. On the inside he is looking triumphantly at a gray haired lady sitting on a park bench.  It’s a ridiculous looking illustration.  I didn’t even giggle. Well, maybe a little. 

Most of these touching sentiments ended with “Happy Birthday anyway!” I suppose to some who think they’ll stay young forever, these might seem like funny birthday wishes – as in funny, ha ha.  Give ‘em a few years and they’ll understand that often heard sentiment: “Old age isn’t for sissies.” 

After searching for just the right birthday wish and enjoying a few giggles I finally settled on a card that I know she’ll love.  I love it and I’m barely out of college (that’s a lie). 

            “Girlfriend, don’t worry about another birthday!

            Like good wine, we grow more mellow with age……

            Or is it as we age, we grow more mellow with good wine?” 

            (That’s a Hallmark card and you can find it at most places that sell Hallmark.) 

If I have the privilege of living to be 82 and someone calls me “Girlfriend,” I’ll be delighted.  It won’t much matter if it’s a man, woman or child who uses that term of endearment.  As we age, friends become more and more important.  Friends of all ages are what keep life interesting.  Friends you can giggle with make it even better!   

So, Happy Birthday, my dear friend of many years.  You are indeed a woman of wonderful characteristics and I hope I’m just like you when I’m 82!  And remember, 82 is the new 72.