My well established habit of spreading the word about my old-age accomplishments, be they large or small, as well as alerting everyone to the wonderful media coverage that almost always follows, is hard to break - not that I try very hard - so prepare yourself for the latest.
In January every year, the International Anti-Aging Medical Institute holds a huge conference at the University of Minnesota here in Minneapolis.
Internationally known speakers discuss ongoing research and studies on anti-aging and progress being made in delaying the aging process, including Alzheimer's disease. Each year as the concluding event, two awards are made, one to a doctor for his outstanding achievements in this field and the other one is a Longevity Award to a Minnesota resident who has continued to stay active physically, mentally and socially well into his or her old age. With my usual modesty, I am proud to announce that I was this year's honored recipient of the Longevity Award.
In the unlikely event that a few of you might possibly enjoy the opening remarks of my acceptance speech, here they are: I LOVE being the recipient of this Longevity Award. I'm not sure I deserve it but in the eyes of my youngest great-granddaughter, I am the most qualified person for it in the whole wide world.
A few days ago, after carefully examining my withered old hands, she asked me how old I was. When I told her I'd be 95 in April, she responded, "Well, Pop, who's the oldest, you or God?" When I told her I was, that little squirt actually believed me. The beautiful sound of laughter that filled the auditorium broke the ice, relaxed me a bit and made it far less intimidating and scary to be up there on that stage talking to that huge gathering of brilliant professors, doctors and researchers from around the world. What a wonderful relief to finish that speech without making a blubbering dunce of myself.
Thanks for listening.
Best wishes for the New Year.