“Oh, how cute! Are those outfits for your grandbaby?”
Disbelief. Amazement. A frantic scan of my immediate surroundings. This store clerk couldn’t possibly be looking at the gender-neutral-hued (shades of tangerine and green) infant “onesies” (purchased for a friend) in my basket and addressing me! Grandbaby? What?
As soon as I checked out, I blasted my outrage and anguish on social media, while hinting at the possible need of a cosmetic surgeon recommendation (and obviously hoping my friends would be equally stunned, thus supporting “youthful me”).
I mean, okay, so maybe it is biologically possible for me to be a grandmother, as I am in my mid-40s. While there seems to be a societal trend in delaying motherhood, some ladies do become moms much earlier in their adult lives. But still, how could someone think I am a grandma? Could that mean I seem old, a “senior,” almost ready for that easy-living-residence transition? For when I think of “grandma,” I see my sweet Grandma Corrigan (proper, white hair, rocking chair, sensible shoes, always seeming to be in her 80s, even when she was younger). I know that does not describe the active, hip grandmothers of today. But my immediate association to that word was with advanced age. That can’t be me! For just before my salesperson interaction, I rocked out my Spinning® class! I am a runner. I only have five grey hairs (hidden nicely by my monthly “let’s embrace auburn” trip to the stylist). These surely counter my 80’s over-tanning with resulting fine facial lines. I could “pass” for a mid (okay late) 30s gal, right? Right?
But as quickly as the “old age crisis wave” crashed over me, it receded. I found myself thinking. Why would I want to “pass” for a younger me? I like where I am in life. I value the experiences I have had and where I have succeeded. I am doing all I can to keep my body healthy and fit. I can focus on “now” and accept and appreciate what I am doing at this moment to meet my goals and embrace my life without a pining for my younger days. So I walked out of the store, confident and content…with just one tiny, unimportant, not worth a thought, yet lingering question…hmm…where could I find a more powerful facial rejuvenation system?
Chris Corrigan Mendez is an ad agency veteran, second-career counselor and higher-ed. instructor and contemplator/reflector of life’s many amusing “revelations.”
corriganmendezmusings 
Hi Christy, I love what you wrote about aging. I am appalled at times that people assume I am a grandmother and I am 61!! I feel 31. Now I know how my mother felt, she was still playing tennis with me at 81.
I love being a grandmother. Kate and Henry live 2 blocks away and I see little George almost everyday. It is wonderful!! Love you, Aunt Laurie…………..By the way..I thought you were 35!!! at the most!!