One of the first books I remember my mother reading to me as a child was A.A. Milne’s Now We Are Six, chronicling the adventures of Christopher Robin in rhythmic prose. The memories are warm and cozy as I picture myself cuddled on Mommy’s lap. She loved to read poetry to us and she had a real gift for it.
Aside from the entertainment value of the stories and the comfort of my mother’s lap and voice, I was struck by the importance of becoming a six-year-old. It was the end of toddlerhood and the beginning of something wonderful; those first steps into the wider world full of promise and my own adventures.
Earlier this month, I reached another milestone age; sixty. To this age I was greeted by another “AA” – the AARP! There was no poetry to encourage or guide me, just a pile of ads for large print books, life insurance, Life Alert, Jitterbug phones, a whole alphabet of vitamins and a bunch of other “senior” stuff that I frankly can’t remember.
Just as Christopher Robin took those first few tentative steps from the nursery with Winnie the Pooh, I am fortunate to have a trusted companion to keep my company, my dear husband Dave (whom I call “Poopoo-head” at times).
I don’t know what “60” is supposed to feel like. I guess I’ll find out. I do know that I now qualify for discounts in several other grocery stores but feel guilty taking them because I don’t feel old enough. Hopefully I never will!
ps. I do take the discounts – I’m not stupid!
Now We Are Six – A.A. Milne
When I was two I was nearly new
When I was three I was hardly me
When I was four I was not much more
When I was five I was just alive
But now I am six, I’m as clever as clever;
So I think I’ll be six now for ever and ever.