Darrell Barry and Common Non-Sense: OK I'm old...so what?

An old shipmate and friend sent this to me and I would like to share it with you:

THIS IS US!
Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We always seem to be in the way, usually of a young person. We drive too slow. As we get older we get more stupid, or so they think. We have years and years of life experience, yet they tell us "you don't understand". They can't understand that we were young and stupid once also. Another fault we seem to have is that we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others. Old fashioned, I guess.

HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT the senior citizens who took . . .
The melody out of music,
The pride out of appearance,
The courtesy out of driving,
The romance out of love,
The commitment out of marriage,
The responsibility out of parenthood,
The togetherness out of the family,
The learning out of education,
The service out of patriotism,
The Golden Rule from rulers,
The nativity scene out of cities,
The civility out of behavior,
The refinement out of language,
The dedication out of employment,
The prudence out of spending,
The ambition out of achievement or
God out of government and school.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!

We understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country. Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention and salute as Old Glory passes by.

YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I'm the life of the party . . . even if I only last until 8 p.m.

I'm very good at opening childproof caps . . . with a hammer.

I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a darn thing you're saying.

I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe place, somewhere.

I'm wrinkled, slow and ache in muscles I never knew existed.

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for sissies.

Yes, I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and it is what it is! I'm happy anyway!

Now if I could only remember who sent this to me . . .