"Before You Came Old!"

A few years ago, Joan, Lorie, and I visited an elementary school where there was a special education unit.   The three of us worked in the transitional kindergarten class at another school and several of our former students were in this special ed class.  I approached the desk of a boy who was busy coloring.  

I squatted down so I was eye level with him and said, "Hi Tanner!"  He looked at me then broke in to a smile and said, "I know you!  You used to be my teacher before you came old!"  


Is there a fine line that defines the time between being young and "coming" old?  


Perhaps it's when you decide that coloring your hair is a real pain and you allow the new color (or lack there of) to display itself in all its glory.  


Maybe it's when the sales clerk thinks you're your mother's sister!


Is it determined by how many or how old your grandchildren are?


Could the defining line be when you're given a senior discount at a restaurant without being asked?


While standing in a long line to vote and someone comes up and offers you a chair, does that mean you're old?


Maybe it's being in the bottom half of the half-marathon finishers.


I can't be old when, inside, I feel like I'm 20.  In my opinion, old is ALWAYS 10 years away.


Please excuse me while I get my dose of Geritol.