It’s a fact that everyone ages; it’s a fact that none of us are as spry as we once were; it’s a fact that being over fifty is not the same as being 25; but it’s also a fact that you’re only over the hill if that’s where you want to be.
I remember many years ago I was secretly planning a party for my husband’s 50th birthday. I was so excited about celebrating with all our friends and family. I knew my husband was going to love the surprise and I was so proud that somehow I managed to hide the party from him even though we received a large delivery from the party store of tables, chairs, etc.
I love every aspect of throwing a big party — deciding on the food, the music, the guest list and the decorations. Obviously the theme of the party was my husband turning fifty so I was expecting to find great party goods celebrating that wonderful milestone. When I went to purchase the decorations I was appalled at what I found. I was expecting lots of positive themes honoring this achievement. Instead all I found were negative, distasteful paper goods that made turning fifty sound like you had the black death. Some of the best were “Welcome to Oldsville,” “Senior Moments,” “Old Fart,” and my favorite “Over the Hill.”
This really took me by surprise. I was honestly expecting themes like “Congrats You Made It,” or “The Best is Yet to Come.” Nope, it seemed like “Over the Hill” was the prevailing theme. Well, I wondered, where is that hill and is it a good or bad thing to be there? I know I have not allowed myself to be put out to pasture but nor do I think of these as my “golden years.” Being over fifty is just the place where I’m at with no further description necessary. Where are you?
