Who ever said age is nothing but a number could not have been more wrong. I have first hand experience that can attest to the fact that this statement is false.
I met Kate back in August of 2008. We immediately made a connection and my life has not been the same since. During our time discovering each other and asking questions, the topic of my age came up. Kate wanted to know how old I was going to be on my next birthday, July 7 2009. I regretfully responded "twenty-nine". Kate accepted the answer; neither she nor I gave it a second thought. I had accepted the fact that I would be one year from thirty.
Time went by Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went. Spring went in like a lion and out like a lamb. My birthday was coming closer. We celebrated the 4th of July in typical fashion and as the days waned towards the big "29" I was more frequently probed with the question "How old will you be?" Co-workers, family, friends, acquaintances all were given the same answer, a very solemn "twenty-nine."
The big day finally came, it was wonderful. Kate got me great gifts including a Phillies grill cover and first row tickets to a game in August, she is the best! Since my birthday fell on a Tuesday I made plans with friends that we would go out for drinks on Friday for the big "two-nine"
While sitting on the outside patio deck at the bar talking with friends, Shannon had stated her brother was turning 29 this year. With some quick math she brought up the fact he was born in 1980. I turned to her and argued that I was born in 1981 and I am 29 this year so he must be older. “Impossible” Shannon replied. Meanwhile some more of my friends got in on the conversation and backed Shannon up. It was this moment that I realized I am in fact 28.
I was floored, after laughing uncontrollably for what seemed like and eternity I gathered my thoughts, wiped the tears from my eyes and performed the math in my head. I confirmed I am indeed 28 years of age. All this time I have been living a lie. "I will be 29 this year" I would say. Fortunately Kate saw the humor in this, I have been telling her I was a year older. I really thought I was.
Now I feel like a million bucks. I feel younger. Like I cheated life and gained time back. I have another year to walk this earth, to laugh and live and love life, to make a difference. I am going to enjoy this "second" year, all made possible by my own ignorance and lack of math skills.
So to who ever thought of this quote "Age is nothing but a number" I say this, try and convince the world and yourself that you are older than you are. When someone brings it to your attention you might just get a good laugh and feel great!
