“When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.” – Will Rogers

I celebrated my 70th birthday this year. I’m not ashamed of that or reluctant to share that fact with anyone.

Frankly, I’m proud of it. Through no fault of my own I’ve managed to live longer than 80% of all Homo sapiens past and present have. What’s not to love about that?

Today my wife celebrates her 71st. She looks about 45, but that’s another issue. She believes and feels as I do. Age should be celebrated, not denigrated.

So why are so many ashamed of their age?

I have no clue.

Possibly there are other, major, problems they have yet to deal with. Age becomes an ancillary issue that takes center stage. Maybe.

I have survived cancer and a life of really stupid decisions. I can and still work a minimum 12 hours a day. Many would dispute it, but I believe my brain still functions. I read, observe, and make calculated decisions.

I experience the full range of emotions. I can still love, hate, cry, and laugh.

Age has given me the wisdom to appreciate it all.

And I should be ashamed of that?

I would not want to be young and stupid again.

“Go into a store’s fitting room and announce loudly “there’s no toilet paper in here!”