Commentary

The bright side of getting old

By LEIGHTON WILLIAMS, Staff Reporter

I'M REALLY GETTING old. I know I'm not yet 30 but I have to admit I am getting old. I am no longer eager to learn the latest dance moves. I've lived long enough to hear Jamaicans calling football soccer because they watch too much American television.

I've got older because no matter how much sit-ups I do in the mornings my trademark pot belly just refuses to disappear.

I'm really getting old. I've lived long enough to see two of my siblings find the love of their lives. And, the thought of finding the love of my life and settling down has now become a very strong possibility.

Ten years ago this time I was a sixth former full of energy. I used to sit on the library walls of the St. James Parish Library with my friends and grade all the women passing. These days I can't even find a friend to sit on a wall with to look at women. Everybody's either married or we are all too tired after work to gather and admire one of God's best creations... women!

When we all get our vacation we can only find the time for a few hours in one day to hang out together as we all have to either go pick up wives or kids. For those not married there are girls we want to spend some time with.

I'm really getting old.

I no longer want a BMW 530i or a Range Rover. I'm just contented to get a car. I no longer want a four-storey house on a 100 acre property. These days anything better than a Portmore 'matchbox' will do.

Hope

Ten years ago while perched on that wall in Montego Bay life seemed bright and full of hope. These days I still have hope but, I don't hope for luxury items. I just hope that JPS doesn't disconnect my electricity because I'm late with the payments and I hope that the next drug addict I see on the road won't beg me money to buy food or money for their children.

There was a time I would have seen a protest of the nature that the UWI students did last week and agreed with the students and call all those who disagreed callous. These days I see the point of the university.

But, after ranting about aging I'm now beginning to see why we age. As we get older we learn and sometimes we become more mature. As a result, we should be able to make better decisions. However, that is not always the case as I still see and hear grown people behave like children ­ just look at our politicians.

However, on the bright side although I admire women albeit in a different setting and I still have more vim, vigour and vitality than one of Jamaica's former Prime Ministers. Hmm... I maybe getting old but I'm far from it.