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| © 2016 Hector Viveros Lee |
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
La tercera edad
On my way home I stopped in Gilroy to get a pair of black
shoes—my usual, casual and comfortable and versatile Rockports. I know where
the store is in the outlet center; it’s an easy off and on.
When I came to the counter to make my purchase them, the
attendant asked, “Was there someone helping you?”
“No.”
“Would you like another pair at 40% off?
“No, thanks.”
“You are eligible for a discount if you are member of AAA or
AARP.”
“I’m a member of AAA.” (Did she just say a member of AARP?)
Into my late twenties, I was carded. I found it as both
compliment and an annoyance. When I got into my 30s I considered it was false
flattery. I don’t remember when finally cashiers and barmaids stopped asking
for my ID but it was uneventful. Not that that signaled my arrival into
adulthood, but suddenly the carding stopped—no need for ID for beer or wine or
alcohol.
“Sir, your purchase is one dollar short to be eligible for a
$15 discount from AAA.”
“Yes….” (AARP. AARP. Really?)
“Would you like to buy something else?”
“I don’t need anything else.” (It’s my gray hair or my wrinkles….)
“If you buy a pair of socks, it will be less than if you don’t. Would you like a pair of socks?”
“Let me see. ” (AARP?
I don’t feel old.)
I chose a pair of black socks. I look at myself in the
mirror behind the counter and squint to see the value of my hair.
“Thank you sir. You have a good evening.”
“Thank you. You’ve been very kind.”
That weekend Robert
was kidding with me. “Hector, your gray hair is catching up to me.”
“That’s OK, Robert. I
am not vain.” I quipped.
I hold my vanity
tightly like a crutch. And now I am ushered into the third age by a stranger.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
blessings peace
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© 2016 Hector Viveros Lee
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Tuesday, September 6, 2016
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