Both of my grandfathers died at 48.
I'd like to think that this fact was a bizarre coincidence and will have no affect on my longevity, but when I think of the DNA pool mixing around in me, it makes me wonder.
Sometimes it even makes me sweat.
I have tattoos.
Sixteen as of right now.
Most are not visible, but a few will peek out like the head of a tortoise every once in a while. At times people will comment on them or ask for significance in them or just say that they like them.
More than once, however, I have heard:
"Yeah. They look nice now, but they'll sure look stupid when you're eighty."
I nod and smile and I secretly hope that,
yes,
they will look mighty stupid when I'm eighty -
because I would love to live that long.
Strange how so many people assume that a long life is a bona fide guarantee, as if it was promised to them.
A God-given right.
I am 69 years old now. Nary a tatoo (and I don't miss them either). I am surprised that I have reached this grand old age because I don't think of myself as an 'old man.' I figure (I hope) I have another 5 to 7 good years left before I start doddering into senility and goofydum. I already see some of my older friends descend into state. I keep working and keep involved, hoping maybe that will delay my oldness. So far so good, and without tatoos.
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