Digging for gold on the Old 81

by Laurel Gugler, Kidron Bethel Village resident 

I am traveling down Old 81 Highway. Recently I celebrated my 81st birthday. The Old 81 is a favorite of mine—just my speed and, with my diminishing eyesight, feels safer than the Interstate. Have you noticed that “Old 81” and “old lady one” sound identical? My sister, Carol, and I often joke about being “old lady one” and “old lady two”, though on her last birthday she became “old lady three”. You are likely not precisely 81, but maybe you’re an old lady, too— or an old man. Or maybe you are traveling on Route 60 or 70. A friend told me she was on the famed Route 66. Or maybe you are on Highway 90, or even 100, in which case, congratulations! You have achieved new milestones. Whatever your pathway, highway or byway, perhaps you can identify yourselves and, together, we can pause and ponder, muse and wonder at our own unique journeys. Some say these are the “golden years”. I admit, sometimes it’s hard to find the gold in these olden years. Still…I dig deep and sometimes discover treasure. Treasure—such as enjoying deep friendships, freedom from career stress, collective wisdom gathered over the years. I will never apologize for being old. We have accomplished many years and given much. 

I am deeply thankful for having traveled far enough to even reach the trusty Old 81. It has connected me with places of heart and Soul, including Bluestem Communities here at Kidron Bethel Village, Hesston and McPherson. May we pace our journeys with grace. We need not race to road’s end. Or will it be the beginning? 

Laurel Gugler is an independent living resident at Bluestem Communities’ Kidron Bethel Village. She uses whimsy, rhythm and playfulness in her writing as a storyteller, poet and children’s book author.