In one of our recent weekly newsletters, we asked, do you think of yourself as old? And why is that and when did it start? For a previous responses, see here and here. Below is another response. Send your response to writingaboutourgeneration@gmail.com.
Since there’s no getting around decrepitude, I try to think how things have gotten better or easier or cheaper for me (or Judy and me) because of my (or our) advanced years.
That, and also appreciating how much we have done or accomplished so far—including each of us getting marriage right the second time, going on 43 years now.
—Senior discounts at the movies … not insignificant. Assorted other senior discounts.
—Not giving (as much of a) shit about deadlines—“you’ll get it when you get it.”
—Embracing and really enjoying an afternoon nap, especially after the two weekly sessions with my personal trainer.
—Accepting that I literally could not run—the basepaths or from a mugger—and not caring. As the youth say, ‘It is what it is.’
But a major part of my apparent calm over losing a step is being inordinately proud of what I’ve accomplished as a journalist, photographer and author, both alone and with Judy. And, as important, knowing that no one can change that or ever take that away. It’s all gonna be in my obit no matter what happens next (I hope).
A large part of this, of course, is knowing, acknowledging, how lucky I have been, especially in working with Judy to create at least a reasonable retirement. I managed to join the New York Daily News as a reporter and editor in 1967 when it was the largest paper in the country—then had the foresight to leave the paper after 20 years and begin a whole new successful career with Judy in commercial photography.
And then, when weddings and commercial travel became a burden (especially on the knees) we pivoted again to concentrate on books and workshop teaching.
There’s a reason it’s called resting on your laurels. Especially when you need a nap.
Frank Van Riper is a Washington-based journalist, photographer and author. His current book, with his wife and professional partner Judith Goodman, is “The Green Heart of Italy: Umbria and its Ancient Neighbors” (www.GVRphoto.shop).
