65

Today is my 65th birthday and although I know 65 is no longer old, it's time enough to have an endless stream of memories. Memories that, as anyone who is getting older knows, pop into your head at the strangest times and without provocation. Following, are a few of mine.

I remember television when it was relatively new. I watched old black-and-white cartoons; one that comes to mind is Steamboat Willie starring the original Mickey Mouse. The next shows I remember watching are Roy Rogers, Fury, Hopalong Cassidy, Buck Rogers and in later years, the Mickey Mouse club. A special treat was watching the magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers tripping the light fantastic, and who could forget I Love Lucy?

I recall clunky black phones with party lines; they have morphed into slim cordless cells that play music. Cars the size of hippos, that were easy and inexpensive to repair, have slimmed down and lightened up and put you into debt every time you go to the garage.

I was born during World War II, have lived through many wars and protested one. Make that two, I still have some protest left in me.

I have seen a man walk on the moon, pictures of our universe that have changed the way we think and the computer age change the way we communicate.

I am proud to say that I was on the front lines of the women's movement, and although we have a ways to go in some areas, we have accomplished a lot. As have African Americans. I know that hate and prejudice for those who are different still motivates many to behave with cruelty and even violence; ignorant, mean people will always be part of the human condition. But over time many have listened to the voice of reason and we are doing better.

Over the years, like everyone else, I have had my share of joys and sorrows, successes and failures. Friends have come and gone and some have stayed, I have lost at love on the way to my husband, Will, and I have lost one family only to gain another. All in all, it's been a hell of a ride so far and I will be grateful always for the gift of memory.