The other day, after asking a salesclerk for help, I heard myself described by one clerk to another as the "older lady" at the end of the counter. For a moment I bristled, stung by the thought of having joined the ranks of "older ladies." But then I thought about it and relaxed. After all "older" is a comparative term. It doesn't mean I'm not still on the train riding to life's destination. It doesn't mean I'm ready to pull the cord for my final stop. It's all relative. After all, if Katy Perry were to be seated between Selena Gomez and Rihanna, she could rightfully be referred to as an "older woman."
So, mollified, I made my way home. I won't say the exchange totally left my consciousness, but I tried to put it in perspective. If the next sales clerk drops the "er", that's when I might get a little concerned. "Old lady" would put me in the ranks with Whistler's Mother and Miss Jane Marple. I'm not ready for my rocking chair just yet. Hmm. Maybe I should return the yarn and crochet hooks I bought at that store and check out the snowboards instead.
Come to think of it, it could be fun to wear the mantle of immunity we give to our elders. Seniors are allowed to say things in public that only toddlers and Donald Trump usually get away with. And, of course, I could start carrying a walking cane to give cheeky sales clerks the sharp end of the stick.
So, mollified, I made my way home. I won't say the exchange totally left my consciousness, but I tried to put it in perspective. If the next sales clerk drops the "er", that's when I might get a little concerned. "Old lady" would put me in the ranks with Whistler's Mother and Miss Jane Marple. I'm not ready for my rocking chair just yet. Hmm. Maybe I should return the yarn and crochet hooks I bought at that store and check out the snowboards instead.
Come to think of it, it could be fun to wear the mantle of immunity we give to our elders. Seniors are allowed to say things in public that only toddlers and Donald Trump usually get away with. And, of course, I could start carrying a walking cane to give cheeky sales clerks the sharp end of the stick.
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