Up: [[Aging]] Related: [[Abigail Thomas]] Created: 2024-11-06 > I’m an old woman now. It took a long time and I’m proud of being 83. I’m starting the end run now, and feel superior to anyone younger than eighty. But don’t call me a senior. I can’t stand the condescending sound of that word. Call me old. There’s nothing wrong with old. I have always loved old things and old people. I loved my grandmothers. I loved my old teachers, Dr. Hunter and Mrs. Recknagel. I love old books, old plates, old quilts, squeaky old rocking chairs, and old paintings. I love old memories, even the lousy ones because they are so far back in the past. I love old mistakes I’ve learned from. I love writing. I even love my old writing. I love eating. I love cooking in cold weather. I love the alcohol I allow myself. I love swearing, especially FUCK THIS SHIT. I love mystery. There is still life to be lived and many pleasures had. As for sex, don’t forget sneezing. I look forward to every one. A sneeze is an orgasm for the face. > ACHOO! > Ahhh. ___________ [[Abigail Thomas]] wrote this for her Substack Publication, *What Comes Next?* the night of the U.S. election as Donald Trump was winning. In her response to comments made by people who read her while watching the election and mourning the early results, Abigail responded with her usual clarity: “I hate him so much. And I hate half of this dumbass country”, “I’m all done watching this horror show”, “I’m a bad American. I can’t understand half of us, nor can I stand them.” One woman responded with “You’re only as old as you feel” and Abigail retorted, “I feel 83”. When the woman came back with turning 81 and feeling young, Abigail’s rejoined with “I feel like myself, only more so.” Beautiful. This piece is important to me today because Trump’s win presents me, and everyone, with a choice point. Abigail teaches me not to sink into despair, and instead to get busy [[Defining My Personal Boundary]], seeing the distinction between me and the rest of the world, and living out my values every single day.