When I’m 65, which will be in four hours,  I will take a walk with my girl. I will crow like the old rooster I am getting to be. I will flap my wings to show the world that I am alive and well, and that I do not need or want senior discounts at Dunkin’ Donuts. I do not need to take a test every day to make sure I am alive. I do not need the AARP magazine to let me know how to buy GPS shoes to track Grandma.  I will not say “at our age” to anyone, nor will I ever say “getting old is a bitch.”

I do not need to tell people about my health or ask them about theirs. I do not want to hear how tough a place this world us, and I will never say how great things used to be. I do not feel betrayed by my body, rather grateful that these sore feet have defied all expectations and medical diagnoses for decades and are still propelling me along. I will not have that friendly chat with my doctor, nor will I try out the new disposable diapers made especially for people my age.  I will not speak hard of my life or my age or replace any parts that are still moving.

I will do this. I will go up in a balloon and sing to the sun.  I will love my wife and partner every minute of every day, in every way in which she will permit me, and I will make love  at every possible opportunity. And I will crow about it, discreetly. Yes, I am a lover, too.  I will share my life with Red and the other dogs and with donkeys and sheep and chickens and barn cats. I will chase the light around like the rabid dog (border collie) that I am and seek out the colors of the world. I will write a dozen more books, take a million pictures and make a bunch of movies.  I will open myself to new experience, love and help my friends, encourage anyone I can get to listen to me, liberate as many of the crusty and molding emotions as I am able. The world is a beautiful place, much of the universe suggesting otherwise,  and I will hold that thought until my last breath.

I am getting older, but I am quite young in some other ways. Mostly, my life is just beginning. I have a lot to do.