A significant birthday looms in a few months one that is recognized as a mark of old age and a right to a state pension in Canada. But then again reach a certain age and each birthday is a significant event as you creak and moan to another, hopefully walking and not “gliding”.
Who are the brains behind the media dance about 60 being the new 39? 60 is sixty my friend. And what about you not getting older but better? The media excels at selling optimism where it is profitable. Token old geezers promoting make up, prostate medications and the joys of non-wheelchair travel? Look carefully about their absence in the media where young fresh faces rule the roost and where grey-haired news anchors are terminated such as Lisa Laflamme at the Canadian Television Network. A double standard.
What galvanized my thought process? I was in Thessaloniki, Greece at the iconic St. Demetrius Church where I lit a candle in remembrance of my mother and father-in-law the latter called me in jest “Themistocles” the great Athenian general and politician who fought in the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. In olden days. If anyone remembers me will it be in olden days? Or are my olden days now?
So it is 04:39 this morning and after a prostate BPH inspired visit to the loo I hear down below in the streets of Thessaloniki several young ladies speaking loudly in an alcohol infused manner. Mind you they were happy and they were not shouting. Yes I can partake in that joy to a degree but at a certain age sleep does not come easily so will admit I had a Mr. Wilson moment where I felt like dropping a water bomb on these frisky and selfish lasses but was interrupted by a man shouting out the window “Studialo Mallacas” best not translated but my mega elemental Greek enables me to ascertain these are not welcoming words. Yes my sentiments were with this man and that moment I realized I was a “yeros” nor not a gyro but an old geezer. More of a Socrates than a Themistocles moment. Is it time to return to St. Demetrius Church and light a candle in my honour?
In Greece the author is a certified “papu”.
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