I was talking with my friend the other day. We are in the same age category and the conversation immediately went to something we are both very aware of—aging parents. Our parents and in-laws are all in the 80-plus category. In fact, my mother-in-law is 88. While there certainly are a lot of challenges that can come in the aging process, I really see in them a lot of courage, tenacity, wisdom and so much more. One day, I was admiring my mom’s grey hair. She recently let it go grey (yes, she dyed it up until the age of 80) and it looks like a straight-hair version of my grandma. It looks amazing. As my mom laughed and smiled, I also saw her wrinkles and enjoyed every one of them. They represented years of being in the sun as a lifeguard, being at the lake with her parents, taking us to the pool when we were kids and more. At one point, we were going to sit outside and then decided it was too hot. She said, oh, I’m starting to sound just like my mom did as she got older. Yes, it’s true. I remember my grandma saying the heat bothered her. My friend, with whom I was speaking, recalled her dad saying the same thing. I picked up the paper this past week and noticed that three acquaintances had passed. One was in the 80-range but the other two had barely made 60. I thought about all the things I knew my parents had done between the ages of 60 and their current age. A LOT. With each year came new memories, experiences, and, yes, challenges. It was then that I had this insight about each wrinkle, each grey hair, etc. being badges of honor. Making it to this stage in life is an honor. Each piece that goes with it is like a badge. I know a lot of people who don’t like to use the words: growing old, or getting older or anything that puts a meaning to a number. I get it. My dad can still walk five miles at a time. I have friends who can’t do that and they are half his age. My parents still go to baseball games, travel and have a very active intellectual life. And yes, there are still the day-to-day struggles of the aging process. Maybe an afternoon nap really is a great idea and maybe having hard tasks done by 6:00 is a brilliant idea. Perhaps writing notes and hanging them up as reminders of appointments will serve the brain. Routines matter. Spaces matter. Families matter and that realization becomes more apparent every day. I remember someone telling my mom that she has to get old enough so that the kids she took care of and changed diapers for will have an opportunity to care for her in her older years. I consider it an honor and privilege to help care for my parents. They are pretty self-sufficient and there are so many moments I wish I lived closer to go have a cup of coffee on the patio and just be together because I realize that is what my parents value the most. Time, precious time, layered in love, care, compassion and understanding. Isn’t that what parents provide their children? Why wouldn’t they want this in return, especially as they become more vulnerable and fragile. Why wouldn’t any of us want this? Celebrate those badges of honor. Celebrate who you are, right now, in this moment. Celebrate those around you. Life is precious and it moves quickly. Let’s take time to acknowledge those badges of honor.