88 Year Old Nails
Today, after a work meeting, I went and got my nails done in a new place in Bridgewater, NJ. It was a big, shiny salon, with places for about 10 manicures and 10 pedicures to happen at the same time. It had classical music playing, was beautifully lit, had comfy chairs and was just a great experience.
After a while, a lovely lady came and sat down next to me. We chatted about this and that, and I learned that she and her husband split their time between New Jersey and Florida. She talked about how much she loves both places, and how lucky she feels to have such different, and beautiful places to spend her life.
As she was getting up to go to her pedicure, she noticed my super sparkly nail polish and commented how fabulous they were. I said how I always love a little sparkle in my life. She agreed and said once you hit 80, sparkle is even more important. I said, in surprise, “you are not possibly more than 80!” She grinned and told me she was 88. I swear, she looked to be in her mid-60’s.
Everyone around us heard the conversation and her announcement got us all to murmuring, “I want to have what she’s drinking,” and “ I wonder how she does it?” and “What’s her secret?” So when I was done, I sat next to her again, and I asked her what the key was to being so incredibly beautiful and vital at 88.
She smiled wide and said she just doesn’t let the small stuff get her down. She doesn’t let her aches and pains bring a frown to her face. She always sees the positive no matter what is going on around her. And she just keeps moving.
Well, I tell you what, if I can look and act and be like that at 88 - I’m in! It’s my nature to see the glass half-full, and today it was affirmed in a huge way. I’m so grateful to have a big team of peeps on my side, helping me get my head above water to enjoy the view from above. Every day is better.
Arthur, you come from a long line of strong people. I understand from family lore that your great, great, great grandma, Bertha, was one tough chick. Then your great grandma, Georgia, was an absolute treasure - having even been a flapper in the 1920’s. She always had such a fun outlook on life, She had flame red hair as a young woman, with a white streak from her forehead to the top of her head. I knew her until my mid 30’s when she passed away at almost 99 years old. Georgia gave birth to my dad and your namesake, Arthur. He was strong, and he was fair, and always saw the best in people until he saw something he didn’t. He was always willing to see possibilities, instill hope and confidence, and believe in all of us. I had ultimate confidence in everything he said, and I think about and remember him every day.
On the other side - more tough peeps. Pioneers, even, who came across the country lugging hand-carts with Brigham Young. But that’s a different story, love.
For now - I’m setting my sights on not aging significantly until I’m at least 88. You’ll be in your 30’s by then. Wow - that’s a thought. You’ll be 32 when I’m 88! You’ll be the same age as your dad is right now! Now that’s a thing to get your mind around.
Nonetheless, I’d like to ask a favor of future-you. When I’m 88, if I’m no longer safe to drive, will you please take me to get my nails done? I will want them all sparkly and beautiful, just like life.
