All in the Numbers

Over the past year we have been all across this mound of dirt called USA and have seen and visited so many incredible places. Places where we had only dreamed of seeing one day. Places that we would see in movies or on TV and dream of being there one day. I guess from everything we discovered the one thing that really stands out for me the most is the people we have met along the way. Now granted that the majority have been a little older than us. But its really just all in the numbers. The fact that they were probably dancing to Elvis at their Prom shouldn't matter. The fact that when men wore shorts when playing basketball and they were so short that you could almost see their family tree shouldn't matter. So, who cares if big hair was in when they were running around in their black shoes with white socks. The fact of the matter is that these people take us in and treat us like part of their families. They have great stories that sometimes leave you wondering about the past and entertain you with funny ones that have you laughing so hard that wish you were old enough to get away with wearing Depends undergarments. We enjoy going out to dinners or just hanging around the motor home while drinking a few cold ones with them. Age is really just a number so why should it matter if one is 40 or 70? I guess what I overlooked is that numbers do really count. After all, 68 sounds younger than 70, doesn't it? One is always wanting to be younger. Getting haircuts with fancy names like "Cesear" or just riding on a motorcycle to feel the skin get tight across your face. Everyone wants to be young. If because they look it or more importantly they feel it. If someone were to say that they are old than maybe it would slow them down and just give them another excuse for not getting off their backside and doing something. Numbers are important. They are a proud statement of how long you have been challenged with everyday issues. It represents the years that you have made a difference in someones life either through direct contact or indirect. The number we call age is two digits of accumulated years. Age is measured the same no matter what color your skin or what language you speak or for that matter if you walk on two legs or four.


At some point in life, I guess, one becomes proud of the fact that they are old. Its like looking at a vintage car and appreciating how it looks and that it still runs great. Sure the style is different than today's cars but it has its very own character and air of nostalgia.

When I sit on the pier and gaze out over the calm blue waters in the Keys these thoughts have been bouncing around my head. Your mind sort of starts running on idle and these little ideas start forming. I guess the seed was planted when we met another couple here in the campground that are our age. Their story is very similar to ours. No kids, sell the house and travel across the country. Their thoughts mirrored ours in thinking "What is the point of working 10 hours a day and not being able to enjoy life. We only get to suck air and pump blood for so long on this rock."
It doesn't matter what age you are because sometimes you just want to be silly.

I can only wish that when they get to driving around this great country of ours that they to will see the beauty. The people that make up this country are really the national treasure. The word "Age" will only really come up when you try and get into a campground that is 55 and older. Other than that, the numbers that represent age will only be thought of as another mile marker post on the side of the road. One can only hope that when I get to a young 68 that I will still have some hair to show for it and be full of life and energy. Still able to make people laugh and feel appreciated. Still be able to share my experiences and advice to make that journey a little less bumpy.

Age is really just all in the numbers.