Perspective

I fed Belle lunch outside while talking to our 104-year-old neighbor. Two other neighbors joined us: men who've lived together for years but who only recently were able to marry each other in New York State. One was celebrating his eighty-fourth birthday today. We all talked, and I warned the 84-year-old that Belle was catching up to his age now that she's one. He said he's wait for Belle at 84 to make the catching up easier.

The birthday boy talked of troubles with his computer. The 104-year-old said, "Computer troubles? Who cares."

I suppose when you're spending your 84th birthday with your new husband/long-time partner and you're enjoying a sunny day with your 104-year-old friend, computer issues don't seem like such a big deal.