An "old lady"

She's always saying "the old lady is slow today" or "the old lady can't do what she used to do anymore". Today she said "when you get to be an old lady, things start happening." I asked her what an old lady is. She said someone in their 70's, 80's, 90's.

I met her 30 years ago. She was 66 then. We had just moved in next door to her. I was outside one day and looked up to see this beautiful tall white haired lady walking through my yard. She introduced herself and said she lived next door. She welcomed us to the neighborhood. We've been good friends ever since. Although now, she says my mother used to bring me to her when I was just 3 years old, to teach me my ABC's and art.

I don't know how she became an "old lady". When did this happen? I can't put a date or time on it. But really, she only started acting like an old lady about 5 years ago. Really forgetful. Repeating stories over and over. Using a cane. Really hard of hearing. The list goes on and on. To me, she's still a beautiful woman. Full of grace and charm. She's a true Southern lady. Born and raised in Chattanooga and lived there and in N. Ga. most of her life. She's amazing. And healthy to be 96. She says she's 99. That the date on her DL is wrong. She's the only woman I've ever known who says she's older than she really is. She just wants to be 100. She's a mess, this lady!

I hope that when I'm an old lady, I am just like her.