in the eyes of the beholder

Growing up, I had two sets of grandparents plus two bubbes. 

Everyone old back then seemed to have come from the old country. 

And all those people seemed to appear very very old.

It was almost as if the old country only created old-looking people.

I don't recall either of my bubbes speaking English. And the one I knew best (because she lived with my maternal grandparents) had to have been in this country for over 40 years, since my grandmother arrived here as a baby.

When I try to remember bubbe's actual name, I text my sister, the unofficial family historian, and ask what her name was. "Did she have one?" is the answer I get. Exactly. We never called her anything but bubbe. I just remember her sitting in a chair all day and looking very very old. My guess is that she was in her mid-70's.

How strange it is now that everyone then seemed ancient. But looking at photos, people then did look so much older than people of the same age do today.

Here's my beloved grandmother Sally, at age 52. 

And here's my mother and me at around the same age.

People today just age better.

And while I like to think I still look young (despite my half-head of gray hair), to anyone under 40 (maybe older), I probably look to them like my bubbe looked to me.

On Tuesday, I go to Duane Reade (owned by Walgreens) to buy a card for my nephew's birthday. I come home and notice on the receipt that I've been charged 20% less than the price on the back of the card.

No one said anything to me about any special discounts. 

But then it hits me.

Oh no. 

And the worst part is I'm not even asked anymore. 

It's just assumed.