Always Pass On

When did I become the oldest?

It seems to have happened overnight.

I always considered myself young until I looked around and realized I was the only one left.

Until then I was quite content and comfortable wearing green mascara and maintaining the illusion of one day returning for at least an overnight visit to NYC.

Of course that depended on NYC returning to the metropolis I loved and who knows when and if that will happen.

Yes, I would go home and visit St. Paul’s on West 59th, and afterwards, possibly even make a nostalgic trip down Fifth Avenue. I understood that possibly I might risk washing the green mascara away with tears if I viewed the once magnificent Lord and Taylor’s Flagship store standing empty on the corner of 38th Street.

However, now that I am aware of my perilous position as the lone survivor of a once robust line of relatives, I will hesitate making such ambitious plans.

I was comfortable in being the second in line while my beloved cousin, Lou, was on top of the family chain.

He never once let me even suspect he would be departing.

All of his Face-time visits were scheduled to bring cheer into my new and different world. My cousin spoke often of his new car and his daily regime after his beloved Mary had moved ahead.

However, not once did Lou mention a possible adieu.

So what do I do now? Do I follow his example?

I don’t think a new car is the answer. It snows too much after Labor Day and obviously, my family might question my driving abilities.

To be fair, they did that when I was quite a bit younger, and yes, often with good reason.

No, I think maybe as I remember my wise and kind cousin, I will postpone thinking about age and/or longevity and admire the sunset from a friend’s car.

However, I will attempt to do as Lou always suggested, “Always pass on a Smile.”. It’s not really that difficult, and he always made it seem easy.

Lou Hall never once complained or even acknowledged being at the top of the age chain, and I won’t either.

I might consider changing to dark blue mascara, however.