Lyfting Me Up

I have had season tickets to the Broncos for 43 years. I used to drive 250 miles each way to Denver from Alamosa to catch a game. I have sat through snow storms, last year’s AFC Championship debacle when you couldn’t see the north end-zone from our perch in the south. It has been a great delight being there. Yesterday, somewhere early in the second half when our team consisted mostly of uniforms occupied by desperate young men trying to make the team, the noise level in the stadium was painful. My Apple Watch was sending me warnings that my hearing was in danger. I said to MK “This is ridiculous, I am not sure why they think this adds to our “fan day experience”? On the ride home I began to compile a list of signs that I had become a full—on GEEZER, with the help of grandson Mattias, his girlfriend Renae, and MK. Here is the list and feel free to add your own:

You arrive at a Bronco game and think turning down the sound system is more important than slowing down the opponent’s offense.

You watch people standing through most of the game and you think you paid for a perfectly good seat.

The restaurant is judged by the noise level rather than the food.

You hear yourself saying “we’ll get there at 4:30 when it is less crowded”.

Good parking is more of a priority than service.

You wake up from a toe amputation surgery and you are glad they only took the toe.

Being close to a restroom is more important than a window seat.

Your definition of a luxury automobile is “easy to get in and out of”.

You discover that the phrase “comfortable shoes” no longer indicates surrender but wisdom.

That “sleeping in” means not getting up at 4:30am.

That your wonderful primary care physician is the same age as one of your grandkids.

You begin stories with “That whole area used to be…”.

You don’t want a QR code—bring me the damn piece of paper”.

The weather forecast is interesting… and you remember the last three El Niño events.

Once again, music blasting in a restaurant causes you to say “I am here to eat, not go to a RAVE”.

When you cheer for the buffalo in a YouTube wildlife encounter. (The Darwin Awards are reassuring).

When dancing with your Rollator on a cruise ship is a sign of strength.

It’s your favorite grocery store because you know where everything is.

When you hear someone refer to a 60 year—old as elderly, and become mildly offended.

When you have developed strong opinions about mattresses, pillows, thermostats and water pressure.

When you remember your first girlfriend’s phone number and can’t remember why you walked into your home office.

When you wonder “Do I look that old to them”?

But you have really reached “Geezerdom” when you stop worrying about “Am I getting old”? and give thanks that you have actually got the chance.

Onward and Upwards,

Mark