Age is just a number

........Is it life experience that determines how the world interprets our maturity?  Is it how we look?  How we present ourselves? 

In my humble experience, it is a combination of all of these things. 

I was asked today how old I was, and I honestly didn't have an answer.  The calendar says that I am 37.  Depending on the day, I feel younger or older than that. 

My mom's good genes help me look younger than my age.  People are honestly shocked to learn that I have a 19 year old son, a daughter that is married, and another daughter that will be 22 soon.  Is it because I put out the vibe that I am younger than i really am?  Or because I really am not old enough to have kids that old?  (I always have to explain that while I did not give birth to the girls, they ARE my kids--I can't imagine NOT being their mom).  And, granted.......I did start kinda young.........

Which brings me to my next point.  I have a lot of life experience because of my teen pregnancy.  I had to grow up and be responsible.....fast!  Yet, it took a long time for me to consider myself a REAL adult.  It was right before I got married, at age 25 that I thought "I am a real grown up, now."  I couldn't tell you what brought me to that decision.  It just hit me one day.......that feeling of  'I can really do this'. 

The kids also matured at different rates and times.  Theresa was always the most mature, even though she was the middle child.  Heather and Drew often seemed like they were the same age in a lot of things as they grew up.  As adults, Heather took a little while to find her footing, while Theresa and Drew seemed to jump into the real world with both feet.  Theresa never looked back, just kept going and going.  Drew was hesitant with a few things (learning to drive) while Heather had an adventurous spirit (NYC on her own).  Different 'adult' things in their own time........ for all of them.  And, they have ALL made me proud by overcoming and enduring. 

Working with elderly people, age seems to be an attitude; an overall way of seeing the world.  Some decide that they are old and can't do anything.  Others decide that they finally have the time to do what they want.  Yet others just need some convincing that they can still have a good quality life.  It is interesting to see a 60 year old that has resigned to live in a wheelchair and a 80 year old that still goes for a walk every morning.

 I do realize that we have no control over the things that happen to us (illness, disease, etc.) but we CAN control our attitude about it; our outlook on life. 

And, a positive attitude seems to be the best medicine for any age. 

In my wise and humble opinion.......lol!