AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

At 5’ 11” and 210 pounds, I’m the same size as the average NFL cornerback. But, at 65 years of age, those pounds are distributed a little differently. In fact, my doctor says I’m officially obese. Nonsense!

In my mind, on the field, I can still run an out and up pass pattern. On the court I can still lead a fast break, and I can still jump and touch the rim. And on the diamond, I can still run down that deep fly ball, and steal second base – standing up. In my mind – but not in my heart. In my heart, I know those days are behind me. I know it, I understand it, but I have a hard time accepting it. It’s tough getting old – mentally as well as physically.

But that’s okay. I can still live vicariously through the local high school and college teams. I can reminisce and remember as I sit in the stands or press box and watch the kids on the gridiron, the court, or the field. I can watch my grandsons as they are learning the fundamentals and basics of sports, and revel in their simple joy of playing a game. Any game. And I can tell stories of old heroics, and even impart my wisdom, such as it is, and hope it makes a difference.

When did it all change? Overnight, it seems.

But on second thought, I probably still have twenty or so good years left. Do you remember how long it took you to go from birth to 20 years old? Or from 20 to 40? Twenty years is a long time. I can spend those years going from ailment to ailment, illness to illness, and from doctor’s appointment to doctor’s appointment. Or, I can choose not to.

I might not be able to ride my bike the distance or the speed that I used to, but I can do 6 or 8 miles at a healthy clip – maybe more on a nice weekend day. And I might not hike the Appalachian Trail, but a weekly 3 or 5 mile walk in the woods is not out of the question. Come to think of it, the Total Gym gathering dust in the back room still works. Look at what it does for Chuck Norris, or better yet, Christie Brinkley. That leotard still looks pretty good on her. Give me a minute while I ponder that last image….

Okay, I’m back, and now that you mention it, that Essential Greens powder that I mix with water, and drink on a daily basis, really doesn’t taste all that bad, at least not as bad as it looks, and it probably does do me good, right? And the protein shake really does fuel my entire morning, doesn’t it? And grilled chicken is just as good as fried chicken, I’m sure. I mean health-wise, not necessarily taste-wise.

Wow, I’m feeling better – and healthier – already. Obese? Not this guy! And who says I have to live my life vicariously? With a little exercise, and healthy eating, I’ll be right where I imagine myself to be right now.

A resolution: I think I’ll choose to live the next twenty years active, healthy, and maybe a bit on the edge. A bit. Even if it kills me…

Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a basketball goal in the backyard, and I think I can still touch the rim. I’ll be right back.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

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